Lucy Powell Advocates for Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces, Asserting Economic and Health Gains Over Hospitality Industry Concerns

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has stated that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that a ban could actually enhance the economy and public health.

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Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has stated 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 emphasized that any steps taken towards this goal will involve discussions with the businesses that might be impacted.

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The recently formed administration vowed to revive Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to anyone currently 14 years old or younger for their entire lifetime. However, this proposal was set aside prior to the elections.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced he might extend prohibitions to include smoking at outdoor venues, aiming to decrease the toll of preventable deaths associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the viewpoint that this action might harm businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind the hospitality sector. It's crucial for our local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming laws, but I will note that any initiatives to broaden smoking regulations will involve thorough discussions with those in the hospitality sector."

Further Discussion on Smoking

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SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as merely a distraction from the negative impacts of Labour's austerity policies.

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

Annually, smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths and is estimated to burden the NHS in England with costs of about £2.6 billion.

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might deliver a fatal blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might cover areas such as beer gardens, outdoor dining spaces, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, warned that there is a significant risk of economic damage to hospitality establishments, which have heavily invested in outdoor areas and are still dealing with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the Chief Executive Officer of the Night Time Industries Association, commented, "This brings us to an essential inquiry: Are we on the verge of evolving into a nanny state? What comes next?"

"While these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they could potentially polarize views and add another layer of regulation for businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have expressed opposition to the plan, even though they have suggested their own measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, "It's our priority to prevent our children from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation aims to achieve this."

"However, banning outdoor smoking among adults was never included in our strategy. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a publication that he would "stop visiting pubs altogether if smoking outdoors were prohibited."

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking within pubs and various 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 its backing for the government's initiatives, highlighting the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to deter individuals from smoking inside.

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