Labour Defends Proposed Outdoor Smoking Ban, Asserts No Threat to Hospitality Sector

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, argues that prohibiting outdoor smoking is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She supports proposals to eliminate smoking in pub gardens, emphasizing that a smoke-free nation would positively impact both the economy and healthcare services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has firmly stated that the government's proposed legislation to prohibit smoking in pub gardens is not an assault on the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell spoke to Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning, explaining that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that any steps taken towards this goal will be developed through discussions with the businesses that might be impacted.

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The incoming administration promised to revive Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to anyone aged 14 and younger, a proposal that was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated he might extend restrictions to include banning smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the number of deaths attributed to tobacco use.

When questioned about concerns that this decision might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind it fully. It plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the contents of upcoming legislation. However, I can confirm that any steps to broaden regulations concerning smoking will involve thorough discussions with representatives from the hospitality industry."

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She noted that there has been a longstanding 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 of around £2.6 billion.

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, however, key figures in the hospitality industry caution that this might deal 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 encompass areas such as beer gardens, alfresco dining spaces, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the CEO of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this situation could cause significant economic damage to hospitality establishments. She noted that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor spaces in good faith and are still dealing with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, commented, "This prompts a crucial inquiry: Are we nearing the edge of transforming into a nanny state? What will follow?"

"Although these actions might be justified by health concerns, they could potentially polarize viewpoints and add more regulatory requirements on companies that are already struggling with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have voiced their opposition to the initiative, despite their own suggestions to limit 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. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, our agenda did not include prohibiting outdoor smoking among adults. Labour's approach endangers our hospitality industry."

Reform advocate Nigel Farage declared to 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 bars and 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 emphasizes the necessity of providing outdoor spaces for smokers to ensure they don't resort to smoking inside.

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