Labour Insists Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Foster Smoke-Free UK, Not Hurt Hospitality

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 healthcare services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024 11:05

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

Lucy Powell spoke to Trevor Phillips on Sky News’ Sunday Morning, stating that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free country" and plans to implement strategies towards this goal through consultations with impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to individuals aged 14 and younger. However, this initiative was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced he might extend prohibitions to include smoking at outdoor venues as part of efforts to decrease the deaths associated with tobacco use.

When questioned on the view that this decision might destroy 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 local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I will emphasize that any initiatives to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be thoroughly discussed with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader in Westminster, has labeled the proposed smoking ban as merely a distraction from the negative impacts of Labour's austerity measures.

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

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

Health advocates have expressed support for the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might deliver a crippling blow, especially in the wake of challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living increases.

Sir Keir indicated that the prohibition might cover areas such as pub gardens, alfresco dining spots, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, expressed concern that there is a substantial risk of economic damage to hospitality venues. She noted that these establishments have made considerable investments in outdoor areas, believing in their benefits, yet they still encounter financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, asked, "This brings up an essential issue: Are we on the verge of turning into a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these actions might be motivated by valid public health concerns, they could potentially polarize views and add more regulatory pressures on companies that are already dealing with significant obstacles."

Several Conservative MPs have voiced their opposition to the initiative, although they have suggested their own measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, saying, "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation aims to achieve this.

"However, our agenda did not include prohibiting outdoor smoking for adults. Labour's actions are jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform party chief Nigel Farage declared to a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if they prohibited smoking outdoors."

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 admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's initiatives, but emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage indoor smoking among tobacco users.

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