Leaked plans for a smoking ban in pub beer gardens have generated a mixed reaction as concerns are raised over the impact on hospitality. 

Southampton residents have responded with anger and support for the proposals outlined in leaked Whitehall documents this week. 

As ministers consider fresh tobacco curbs as part of a tougher Tobacco and Vapes Bill, plans seen by The Sun suggest a ban could extend to beer gardens and areas outside football stadiums.

The ban could also cover outdoor restaurants, open-air spaces at clubs, and nearby pavements and would also apply outside universities, hospitals, sports grounds, kids’ play areas and small parks.

But Hamble Valley MP, Paul Holmes has slammed the leaked proposals which he says would 'kill the pub trade'. 

READ MORE: Pub bosses slam potential outdoor smoking ban as ‘bonkers’ and ‘nuts’

In a social media post, he said: "Banning smoking inside venues is one thing, banning in public gardens is another.

"It’ll kill the pub trade, encourage drinking at home and kill the hospitality trade. I’ll vote against it."

It's unclear whether e-cigarettes would be included in the ban but the restrictions will not cover private homes or large open ­spaces such as parks or streets.

Responding to the leak, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said "we have got to take action" to reduce the burden on the NHS.

But some Southampton residents have reacted with anger saying it is 'too much control on people's freedoms'. 

READ MORE: Government ‘considers banning smoking in some outdoor areas’

Lisa French said: “I think it's ridiculous. It's taking away people's choices.

"They say people that smoke cost the NHS a lot of money, well what about people that go out and get drunk and end up having the police and ambulance called out?"

Graham Radway added: “I don't smoke and I even think it's a ridiculous idea. Another infringement on free thinking. I also think they'll face a massive backlash.”

Social media user Justin Cross went on: “I'm not a smoker, I like that you have to smoke outside but this is too much control on people's freedoms.”

But Matthew Paul King was all for the plans and wrote: "Go for it. As a non-smoking person and I've never smoked in my life.

"There's nothing worse than having a pint with the smell of smoke around you."