Racecourses are braced for a financial hammer blow if Sir Keir Starmer’s outdoor smoking ban spreads to a day cheering on the horses.
It would leave punters facing a full day without a puff. Insiders fear spectators staying away altogether as a result. Racecourses have already seen total attendances fall from six million in 2016 to 4.8million last year. Experts fear a ciggie ban would leave smaller courses on the brink.
Last night Shadow Sports Minister Louie French said: “It is unclear how Labour’s nanny state proposals would work in practice, but there is a clear risk that further impositions on the likes of horse racing could damage the sport and put off racegoers.
“The Government should instead focus on supporting the industry and sports grounds across the UK.” Pat Masterson, managing director at Newton Abbot track told the Racing Post: “I would imagine a smoking ban outside would give us problems. Why would a government seek to do this?
