From stands to streets: Expanding smoke-free policy at UK sports stadia

In our recent article published in Perspectives in Public Health, we explore the rationale for extending the UK’s smoke-free legislation to encompass the outdoor areas surrounding sports stadia. Prompted by emerging government proposals to ban smoking in various outdoor public settings—including pub gardens, hospital grounds, and university campuses—we argue that sports venues represent a high-traffic, high-visibility environment that merits greater attention in tobacco control efforts. At Healthy Stadia, we have long championed the development and implementation of comprehensive smoke-free environments within sports contexts, and this article aims to contribute evidence and strategic insights to the evolving policy discussion.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure continues to pose a serious threat to public health, contributing to cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Despite existing legislation prohibiting smoking in substantially enclosed spaces, many fans are still exposed to SHS during ingress and egress at sports stadia, where smoking remains legal in external concourse areas or public roads adjacent to venues. These areas, often densely populated before and after matches, can see significant build-up of SHS, particularly under low-wind conditions or near entry points, thereby undermining the spirit of indoor smoking bans.

We highlight how a comprehensive outdoor smoking ban at sports venues could reinforce the cultural de-normalisation of tobacco use, particularly among demographics where smoking prevalence remains stubbornly high, such as men in lower socioeconomic groups. A tobacco-free environment would also support efforts to make sports events more inclusive and family-friendly. This proposal aligns with the 2022 Khan Review’s recommendation to strengthen smoke-free policies in public spaces as part of the UK’s ambition to become smoke-free by 2030.

Nonetheless, we recognise the complex practicalities of implementing such a policy. Stadium designs vary widely. Newer facilities such as Wembley provide clear external concourses where enforcement might be feasible, while older urban venues like Goodison Park lack such infrastructure. Moreover, sports such as cricket, tennis, and horse racing, where events can last an entire day, present additional challenges compared to football or rugby matches. These complexities suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed.

To address these barriers, we propose a combination of hard enforcement measures, such as fines and signage, and softer approaches including public awareness campaigns, steward training, and engagement through club media channels. Crucially, any future ban must be shaped through meaningful consultation with fans, local authorities, law enforcement, and operations teams. We advocate for a programme of feasibility studies and pilot schemes to evaluate the impact of such interventions and ensure they are proportionate, effective, and widely supported.

As public support for tobacco control remains high – 76% of adults in Great Britain support banning smoking where children play sport – we pose the question: should we not also protect children where they watch sport? The case for extending smoke-free policies to the outdoor areas of sports stadia is both compelling and achievable, provided it is implemented with care, consultation, and a firm commitment to public health improvement.