Member

As we have already heard, there are 25 sampling rooms in the entire country. I say respectfully to the noble Baroness who mentioned smoking lounges that they are a completely different thing. Smoking lounges are often open-air areas where people can smoke. I think my noble friend referred to a place with a tin roof. That is smoking outdoors. The Government have agreed that they will not try to prevent people smoking outdoors in a legitimate capacity, so long as it is not in certain areas. That is not the same as a sampling room. If Members of the Committee read the legislation on this, it relates to how extraction systems work, making sure that the door is mechanically operated and allowing them to be staff free, which is extremely important. They are enclosed spaces where people can sample these products before they buy them. There are 25 of these in the country, so it is an extraordinary idea that this should be a focus for this Committee. We should be very aware of the minute point this is in relation to the war on smoking or some form of generational ban.