EDM 174: Proposed smoking ban

That this House recognises the success of the indoor ban on smoking in public places, introduced by a Labour Government in 2007, in reducing smoking, boosting individual health and easing the strain on the NHS; notes that the Government is considering the merits of a ban on outdoor smoking in pub gardens and other places; believes that this will unduly restrict individual liberty where second-hand smoking dangers are negligible, drive some and maybe many pubs out of business and undermine the night-time economy; and urges the Government not to proceed with this option and, if it does, to allow a free vote on the proposal.