THE proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens is on the cusp of being dropped by Sir Keir Starmer, The Sun can reveal.

Instead, fags are only expected to be prohibited outside hospitals and schools.

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Brits will still be able to light up in the hospitality sector – so outside at boozers and horse race courses.

Downing Street is understood to be watering down the draconian anti-smoking plans after an outcry from Brits and businesses.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for a “national debate” on stubbing out smoking.

Chief Medical officer Chris Whitty has been pushing for a wide-ranging outside smoking ban.

The final legislation has not been fully signed off by the PM and Mr Streeting yet.

But it is expected to be presented to parliament in the coming weeks.

In the summer, The Sun revealed leaked government documents showing that ministers were secretly plotting to massively extend the smoking ban.

The original plans would have seen lighting up banned outdoors at restaurants, pub gardens and clubs.

But pubs warned it would kill off business and lead to boozers closing.

Analysis from the British Beer and Pub Association claimed three pubs a week would close because of the ban.

This would mean an extra 800 venues going to the wall in the next five years.

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We do not comment on leaks. Smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions.

“We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoking.

“We’re considering a range of measures to put us on track to a smoke-free UK.”

Disposable vapes are being banned in a bid to crack down on plastic waste smoking, The Sun revealed yesterday.

A government spokesman said no final decision has been taken.