Lucy Powell Advocates for Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces: A Move for Public Health, Not Against Hospitality

Lucy Powell, the leader of the Labour Party in the Commons, has asserted that banning smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing such a ban could positively impact both the economy and health services by creating a smoke-free environment.

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 aimed at targeting the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell spoke with Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning, stating that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that any steps taken towards this goal will be discussed "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The recent administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, designed to prevent individuals aged 14 and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes, although this proposal was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that his efforts might extend to prohibiting smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the number of deaths that are preventable and associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about concerns that this action might devastate businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind it fully. It’s crucial for our local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the contents of upcoming legislation, but I can confirm that any decisions to broaden regulations concerning smoking will involve thorough discussions with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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She also mentioned that for quite some time, there has been widespread agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, noting that the potential 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 applauded the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that this might deliver a devastating blow, especially after the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living increases.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer gardens, alfresco dining areas, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this poses a significant risk of economic damage to hospitality venues, which have heavily invested in outdoor areas and are still experiencing financial difficulties.

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

"Although these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they have the potential to create divisions in opinion and add more 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: "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

"Our strategy did not include preventing adults from smoking outdoors. However, Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform party chief Nigel Farage declared to a newspaper that he would "stop visiting pubs altogether if smoking outside was prohibited."

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking within pubs and other indoor public areas.

According to Action on Smoking Health (ASH), there was a decrease of 2.4% in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a 12.3% drop in hospital admissions for childhood asthma over the course of a year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, yet emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to deter individuals from smoking inside.

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