Lucy Powell Advocates for Outdoor Smoking Ban, Asserts No Threat to Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, the leader of the Labour Party in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting outdoor smoking is not aimed at undermining the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a smoking ban in areas like pub gardens could positively impact both the economy and the health service.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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

Lucy Powell spoke to Sky News on 'Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips,' stating that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She added that any actions taken towards this goal will be carried out in coordination with the impacted businesses.

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The current administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to anyone currently 14 or younger, indefinitely. However, this initiative was put on hold prior to the elections.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed intentions to possibly extend the smoking ban to include outdoor venues, aiming to decrease the preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about concerns that this decision might devastate the commercial sector, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are backers of the hospitality industry. It is crucial for our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of potential future laws, but I will emphasize that any steps taken to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be fully discussed with representatives from the hospitality industry."

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Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader in Westminster, has described 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 been a widespread agreement for quite some time that we aim to achieve a smoke-free nation," and the benefits to health and economy "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, yet hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might severely impact businesses already struggling from the pandemic and the rising cost of living.

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

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Kate Nicholls, the leader of the industry group UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this development could severely damage the economic health of hospitality businesses. She highlighted that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor areas, trusting in their benefits, yet they still confront ongoing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, commented: "This brings us to a crucial point: Are we on the verge of turning into a nanny state? What will happen now?"

"While these actions might be motivated by legitimate health concerns, they also run the risk of polarizing public opinion and adding further regulatory requirements to businesses that are already under significant strain."

Several Conservative MPs voiced opposition to the initiative, despite having their own measures aimed at reducing smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed her views on X, stating: "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."

"Our strategy did not include prohibiting outdoor smoking for adults. However, Labour's approach endangers our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper that he would "forever avoid pubs 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 heart attack hospitalizations and a 12.3% decrease in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, yet emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor areas where smokers can go, to discourage indoor smoking.

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