Lucy Powell Advocates for a Smoke-Free Country, Asserting Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Protect Health, Not Harm Hospitality

Lucy Powell, the Labour Party's leader in the House of Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a smoking ban in pub gardens could positively impact both the economy and the 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 legislation to prohibit 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 noted that the steps to accomplish this would be taken "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration 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 postponed prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced intentions to possibly extend smoking bans to include outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the mortality rate associated with tobacco consumption.

In response to concerns that this decision might harm business, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are backers of the industry, recognizing its crucial role in our communities, high streets, and economic landscape."

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

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She mentioned that there has been a longstanding agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, and that the health and economic advantages 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; however, hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might deliver a crippling 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 pub gardens, alfresco dining spots, external areas of sports venues, hospitals, nightclubs, and select small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, warned that this poses a significant threat of economic damage to hospitality establishments, which have heavily invested in outdoor areas in good faith and are still dealing with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concern by asking, "Does this situation signal our shift towards an overprotective government? What will follow?"

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

Several Conservative MPs have expressed their opposition to the initiative, even though they have suggested measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X: "Our goal is to shield our children from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, it was never our intention to prevent adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry in the course of action."

Reform leader Nigel Farage stated in an interview with 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 need for designated outdoor spaces for smokers to avoid indoor smoking.

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