Leaked government papers allegedly show the government plans to outlaw smoking in pub gardens.

The reported decision is expected to draw intense criticism when the new rules are unveiled as part of a tougher Tobacco and Vapes Bill. According to the leaked Whitehall papers, allegedly seen by the Sun, there is a plan to extend the current indoor smoking ban to beer gardens and areas outside football stadiums.

It is claimed outdoor restaurants, open-air smoking areas at clubs, and the pavements outside both will also be subject to the ban, as will the areas outside universities, hospitals, sports grounds, playgrounds and smaller parks. It's currently unknown whether vapers could be affected, but shisha bars are expected to fall foul of the rules.

Private homes and large open spaces like parks and streets will not face the same restrictions, it's understood. Rishi Sunak sparked controversy while at Downing Street when he announced a plan to phase out all forms of smoking, but did not mention the outdoor ban.

Sir Keir Starmer's new bill is said to be in response to reports that too many Brits suffer as a result of second-hand smoke inhalation. However, according to recent assessments, a ban on outdoor smoking could lead to closures and job losses. Ministers are expected to argue that the economic and health benefits far outweigh the costs, and will press ahead with the backing of England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty.

Those opposed to the Bill are expected to highlight that voters were not informed of the plans in the Labour manifesto, which only vowed to honour Tory plans to continuously raise the smoking age. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We do not comment on leaks. Smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions. We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoking. We’re considering a range of measures to finally make Britain smoke-free.”