Politics
Beyond the Smoke: Labour’s Lucy Powell Defends Proposed Outdoor Smoking Ban Amidst Hospitality Industry Concerns
Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a nationwide smoking ban, including in pub gardens, could positively impact both the economy and health services.
Political correspondent @fayebrownSky
Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:
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A cabinet minister has asserted that the government's proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens is not an assault on the hospitality sector.
Lucy Powell spoke on Sky News' program "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," expressing Labour's goal to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that any steps taken towards this aim would involve discussions 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 prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to individuals born after a certain year, making them perpetually ineligible to purchase tobacco. However, the proposal was put on hold prior to the electoral events.
This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated plans to extend smoking prohibitions to outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the number of deaths caused by tobacco use.
In response to concerns that this action might devastate businesses, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are backers of the hospitality industry. It plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economy."
"I won't speculate on the specifics of potential future laws, but I can assure you that any steps to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be taken in close collaboration with the hospitality industry."
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Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader in Westminster, has described the proposed smoking ban as a diversionary tactic by Labour to shift attention away from their bleak austerity policies.
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She mentioned that there has been a long-standing agreement on the desire for a smoke-free nation, emphasizing that the health and economic advantages would be significant.
Annually, smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths and is estimated to burden the NHS in England with costs around £2.6 billion.
Health advocates have expressed support for the new proposals, however, representatives from the hospitality industry caution that these measures might severely impact businesses already struggling from the pandemic and the increasing cost of living.
Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer garden areas, outdoor dining spaces, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select smaller parks.
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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, warned that the situation presents a significant threat of economic damage to hospitality establishments. She noted that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor areas in good faith, even as they continue to grapple with financial difficulties.
Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, commented, "This brings up a vital issue: Are we edging towards a nanny state? What comes next?"
"While these initiatives are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they carry the potential to polarize views and add additional regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."
Several Conservative MPs have expressed opposition to the strategy, even though they have suggested their own measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."
"However, banning outdoor smoking for adults was never included in our agenda. Labour's actions are jeopardizing our hospitality industry."
Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if smoking outdoors were 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 hospitalizations for heart attacks and a 12.3% decrease in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within one year.
ASH expressed their backing for the government's initiatives, emphasizing the necessity for designated outdoor spaces for smokers to prevent indoor smoking.
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