Many pubs across Peterborough Stamford and Rutland oppose outdoor public area smoking ban
The Government is currently considering a ban in places like pub gardens and outdoor restaurants
There appears to be strong opposition to the proposed ban on smoking in outdoor public areas from many of the pubs across Peterborough Stamford and Rutland.
The measures being considered by the Government could include spaces such as pub gardens and outdoor restaurants.
The ban is designed to help reduce the number of preventable deaths linked to tobacco use - but some businesses are concerned about the impact on trade.
We spoke to the owner of the Olive Branch pub in Clipsham - Rutland Ben Jones.
A lot of pubs will find it very very difficult
He told us: "To be honest with you I think it's absolutely ridiculous."
"All it seems to be is about additional red tape or rules that the Government is putting in place that seem to be continuously penalising or jeopardising the hospitality industry."
"I think this is another one just on top of that and it's absolutely crazy."
"A lot of pubs will find it very very difficult."
"I think it's something that will only encourage more people to stay in and drink at home and stay in their own gardens rather than going out to their local pub."
It's just ludicrous
"I think those more community led drinking pubs will suffer enormously."
"Some of the pubs I know in towns and things - where they have beer gardens for people to go and smoke - I can just imagine those - the people who do go there - them all standing on the front doorstep of these pubs because they're not allowed to smoke in the beer gardens."
"It's just ludicrous."
"I suppose if there were to be an alternative you could suggest people need to be segregated or separated areas."
"But all this is increased costs - it needs to be managed and overseen by the oeprators."