Councils have called for pavements outside pubs, bars and cafes to be smoke-free.

The Local Government Association (LGA) is urging peers to support an amendment to the Business and Planning Bill that would ensure all pavement licenses issued by councils should come with the condition that they are smoke-free places.

Cllr Paulette Hamilton, Vice Chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘Pavement licensing should not be a catalyst to increase smoking in public places, putting people at greater risk of ingesting second-hand smoke when they are enjoying a drink or a meal.

’We urge peers to hand councils the ability to extend smoke-free areas to include pavements so this alfresco summer can be enjoyed by everyone.’

The Government said over the weekend it would not ban outdoor smoking but would ensure premises offer separate seating for smokers and non-smokers outside.