Lucy Powell Advocates for Outdoor Smoking Ban: A Strategy for Health, Not an Assault on Hospitality

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has asserted that banning smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not intended to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that 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:

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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 indicated in an interview on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She noted that any steps taken towards this goal would involve discussions with potentially impacted businesses.

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The recently formed administration had committed to reviving a key smoking bill initially proposed by Rishi Sunak, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to individuals aged 14 and younger, a proposal that was postponed prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that his measures might extend to prohibiting smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the view that this action might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are backers of this industry. It plays a crucial role in our communities, on our main streets, and in our economic system."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I can confirm that any initiatives to broaden restrictions related to smoking will be fully discussed with those in the hospitality sector."

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SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as a diversionary tactic, intended to shift attention away from Labour's bleak austerity narrative.

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She also mentioned that "for quite some time, there has been a general agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation," and the health and economic advantages "would be significant."

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

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that this could 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 cover beer gardens, alfresco dining areas, outdoor sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that the decision could cause substantial economic damage to hospitality establishments. She noted that these venues have made considerable investments in outdoor areas and are still dealing with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a vital query: "Are we nearing the edge of transforming into a nanny state? What comes after this?

"Although these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they carry the potential to polarize views and add further regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative 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, saying: "Our priority is to shield our kids from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this goal in mind.

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

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a publication 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 other indoor public areas.

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

ASH has expressed support for the government's initiatives, emphasizing the need for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage indoor smoking among tobacco users.

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