Beyond the Smoke: Labour’s Lucy Powell Advocates for Outdoor Smoking Ban Without Harming Hospitality Sector

Lucy Powell, the leader of the Labour Party in the House of Commons, asserts that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argues that a ban on smoking, including in pub gardens, could positively impact the economy and healthcare system.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has stressed that the government's proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens is not an assault on the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell informed Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning that the Labour Party is aiming to establish a "smoke-free nation," and that any steps taken towards this goal will be discussed "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, designed to prevent those aged 14 and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes, though it was postponed prior to the elections.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might extend regulations to prohibit smoking in outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the concerns that this decision might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We're definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We back it fully because it's crucial for our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, however, I can assure you that any initiatives to broaden regulations concerning smoking will involve thorough discussions with stakeholders in the hospitality industry."

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She mentioned that there has been a widespread agreement for quite some time on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, noting that the health and economic advantages would be significant.

Annually, smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths and is estimated to cost England's NHS roughly £2.6 billion.

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, yet representatives from the hospitality industry caution that these measures may deliver a devastating blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer garden areas, al fresco dining spots, outdoor sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, warned that this poses a significant economic threat to hospitality establishments, which have heavily invested in outdoor areas in good faith and are still dealing with financial hardships.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a significant inquiry: "Are we nearing the edge of transforming into a nanny state? What comes after this?"

"Although these actions are likely guided by concerns for public health, there's a chance they could polarize views and place additional regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs voiced opposition to the proposal, despite their own initiatives aimed at reducing smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed on X, "Our goal is to shield our children from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, our agenda did not include preventing adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform party head Nigel Farage declared to a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if smoking outside was prohibited."

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking within pubs and various other indoor public areas.

According to Action on Smoking Health (ASH), there was a 2.4% decrease in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a 12.3% decrease in admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH has expressed their backing for the government's initiatives, emphasizing the need for designated outdoor areas for smokers to help deter indoor smoking.

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