Defending Public Health or Damaging Hospitality? Lucy Powell Insists Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Benefit Economy and NHS

Lucy Powell, the leader of the Labour party in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argues that a nationwide smoking ban could positively impact both the economy and health services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024 11:05

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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.

On Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Lucy Powell stated that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that any actions taken towards this goal will be developed "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The recent administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak’s key tobacco legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to individuals aged 14 and younger, a plan that was put on hold prior to the elections.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced he might extend the prohibition to include outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the fatalities associated with tobacco use.

When questioned about concerns that this action might harm businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are in favor of it. It plays a crucial role in our communities, on our main streets, and in our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I will emphasize that any initiatives to broaden regulations on smoking will involve thorough discussions with the hospitality sector."

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She mentioned that there has been a longstanding agreement on the desire for a smoke-free nation, and that the health and economic advantages "would be significant".

Smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths annually and is estimated to cost England's NHS around £2.6 billion each year.

Health advocates have expressed support for the new proposals, but representatives from the hospitality industry caution that this could deliver a devastating blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the current economic struggles.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer gardens, alfresco dining areas, outdoor sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, expressed concern that this could lead to substantial economic damage for hospitality businesses. She noted that these venues have made considerable investments in outdoor areas, believing in their benefits, even as they contend with ongoing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, head of the Night Time Industries Association, stated, "This brings up a vital issue: Are we on the verge of turning into a nanny state? What's coming up next?"

"Although these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they could potentially polarize views and add extra regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Tory MPs have expressed opposition to the initiative, 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 children from starting to smoke and vape. We crafted our smoke-free generation legislation with this aim in mind.

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

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a publication that he would "boycott pubs forever if they prohibited outdoor smoking."

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

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

ASH has expressed support for the government's initiatives, emphasizing the significance of providing designated outdoor areas for smokers. This strategy aims to deter smoking indoors.

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