THE MP who represents Lymm has demanded that the Government drop its plan to extend the smoking ban to outdoor areas.

Tatton MP Esther McVey says she has spoken to local businesses and been told it could spell last orders for some pubs.

The Conservative politician said the Government should be supporting the sector which employs an estimated million people and pays £18billion in to the exchequer.

It is also backed by 72 per cent of British adults as having a positive impact on society, but she said the Labour Government ‘appears it is doing all it can to destroy it.’

Speaking in a Parliamentary debate on support for pubs and the hospitality sector, Ms McVey said pubs across Tatton are concerned that the ban could see footfall fall by up to 30 per cent in venues more reliant on wet sales, and could be ‘enough to close them’.

“Pubs are cornerstones of our communities, social hubs for our constituents and play a key role in local economies,” she said.

“In my own constituency of Tatton, there are 89 pubs and three breweries, supporting 2,350 jobs, generating £29million pounds in tax and contributing £60million pounds to the economy.”

She called on the Government to drop its plans, but said ‘at the very least’ if it was intent on pushing ahead, it must consult with the industry and do an impact assessment – something ‘this Government tries to shy away from’.

In the wide-ranging debate, Ms McVey also reiterated her call for business rate relief, introduced by the last Government which will end in March, to be extended until there is a full overhaul of the tax – something she has been proposing for years.

In addition, she said Labour’s proposed increase in national insurance contributions would devastate the already struggling pub and hospitality sector.

She says this is also the case with Labour’s new Workers’ Rights Bill, which she adds by the Government’s own analysis could cost businesses up to £5billion a year to implement.

Ms McVey added: “Labour really needs to stop putting extra burdens and taxes on our pubs and businesses - or it will see some unable to cope and close their doors for good next year.”