What are the smoking laws in London? Is smoking allowed in all pubs and restaurants? Are there non-smoking sections? (My daughter has terrible allergies.) Thank you!
Posted by
Westport, Ireland
80 posts
There is no smoking allowed in any pubs or restaurants.
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
713 posts
What you will see in London, are throngs of customers standing outside the pubs on the sidewalk (the sidewalk is called the "pavement" over there, which as an American I always find confusing at first), smoking. Or if the pub has outdoor tables in use, those will be occupied by smokers.
Once you pass through the band of smokers the pub should be smoke free. I'm not saying there are always bunches of smokers standing outside pubs, but I certainly saw lots of them during the prime time for pub customers, i.e., late afternoon/early evening.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I was in Scotland the year that the non-smoking laws went into effect. It was wonderful. I had been there prior to the law and every pub was smokey. Afterwards, was wonderful. Now, the pub owner were quite bitter. They were convinced that their livelihood was in jeopardy. I think that they've come round since.
Pam
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32825 posts
To elaborate,
No smoking on any part of any railway station.
No smoking in any pub or restaurant.
No smoking in any hotel.
No smoking in any enclosed area, with at least 3 sides and a roof
Not generally flouted, except some open to the air parts of stations, but not much.
As mentioned, clusters of smokers near every entrance of all the above, millimeters from the boundary.
Pub landlord punished just last week for allowing smoking.
Posted by
New Orleans, USA
18 posts
The smokers are on the streets with little regard to other people. They make it difficult to get in and out of pubs and other places. Like flaming dragons they roam. Be especially careful lest you end up like I did with a cigarette burning a hole in good clothing.