Smoke-free outdoor areas proving popular - council

The council said 74% of survey respondents had expressed support for the scheme

The majority of people asked in surveys have backed a Liverpool initiative for smoke-free outdoor areas at all bars and cafes serving food and drink, the city council has said.

Recent surveys conducted by Liverpool City Council's public health and alcohol and tobacco unit showed 74% of respondents expressed support for the scheme, including many smokers.

The council is implementing smoke-free conditions for all pavement licences - where businesses apply to serve on the street - across the city.

The policy, approved in April, is aimed at reducing exposure to passive smoking, supporting smokers to quit and reducing smoking-related litter.

Vaping is still allowed, in line with the council's current approach to cut smoking.

The council said with more than 227 smoke-free pavement licences now granted, the initiative is transforming outdoor seating areas into "cleaner, more welcoming environments for residents, families, and visitors alike".

In 2024, the authority said about 17% of the city's residents were smokers, who each spent up to £2,500 annually on the habit.