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 affirmed that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to undermine the hospitality sector. She argued that making the country smoke-free would have economic advantages and would also alleviate burdens on the NHS.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024 11:05

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A cabinet minister has asserted that the government's proposed measures to prohibit smoking in pub gardens do not constitute an assault on the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell spoke to Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning, expressing Labour's goal to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that any actions taken towards this aim would involve discussions with the businesses that might be impacted.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone aged 14 or younger, indefinitely. However, this initiative was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might extend current restrictions to include smoking bans at outdoor venues as part of efforts to decrease preventable deaths associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the feedback that this action might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind the hospitality industry. It's essential for our local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the contents of upcoming bills, but I will emphasize that any actions 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 "long-standing agreement that we aim to achieve a smoke-free nation," emphasizing that the "health and economic advantages would be immense."

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, however, representatives from the hospitality industry caution that these measures might deliver a crushing blow, especially after the hardships brought on by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living increases.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might cover areas such as pub gardens, al fresco dining spots, outdoor sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and several smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this could "lead to considerable economic damage for hospitality venues" which have "made substantial investments in outdoor areas in good faith and are still dealing with financial difficulties."

Michael Kill, the Chief Executive Officer of the Night Time Industries Association, commented, "This prompts a crucial inquiry: Are we verging on becoming a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these initiatives are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they run the risk of polarizing communities and adding to the regulatory load for businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs voiced their opposition to the initiative, even though they had previously suggested measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed 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, prohibiting outdoor smoking among adults was never on our agenda. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage stated in an interview with a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if smoking outside was prohibited."

In 2007, the previous Labour government implemented a prohibition on smoking within pubs 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 has expressed their backing for the government's initiatives, emphasizing that it's crucial for smokers to have designated outdoor areas to avoid the likelihood of them smoking inside.

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