Beyond the Smoke: Labour’s Lucy Powell Champions Outdoor Smoking Ban, Asserts Support for Hospitality Sector

Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons from Labour, has emphasized that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a ban on smoking in these spaces could positively impact both the economy and the health services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has firmly stated that the government's proposed plans to prohibit smoking in pub gardens are not aimed at undermining the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell explained to Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that the steps to accomplish this will be conducted "in consultation" with the businesses that might be impacted.

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The recently formed administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, aimed at preventing those aged 14 and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes, although it was postponed prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer suggested he might also consider prohibiting smoking at outdoor venues to decrease the preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about claims that this decision might damage the business sector, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are in support of it because it plays a crucial role in our local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specific contents of upcoming legislation. However, I can confirm that any future policies related to smoking will be developed in close collaboration with the hospitality industry."

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Further Discussion on Smoking

Minister Calls Outdoor Smoking Ban a 'Practical Strategy' for Cessation Assistance

SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn claims that the proposed smoking ban is merely a distraction from the negative impacts of Labour's austerity measures.

A tweet by Esther McVey regarding a smoking ban has been criticized as 'repugnant' by a Jewish organization.

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She mentioned that there has been a widespread agreement for quite some time that the goal is to achieve a smoke-free nation, and the benefits to health and the economy "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, but leaders in the hospitality industry caution that these measures might deliver a devastating blow, especially after the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might cover areas such as beer gardens, alfresco dining spots, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain compact parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that there is a significant risk of economic damage to hospitality establishments, which have heavily invested in outdoor areas and are still experiencing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a crucial query: "Are we nearing a transition into a nanny state? What follows this?"

"While these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they could potentially polarize views and place additional regulatory demands on businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have voiced their opposition to the scheme, even though they have suggested similar measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed on X, "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and use vapes. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation aimed to achieve this.

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

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if they banned smoking outdoors."

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 hospital admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, yet they emphasize the necessity of providing designated outdoor areas for smokers to help avoid indoor smoking.

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