Lucy Powell Advocates for Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces, Rejects Claims of Hospitality Industry Harm

Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons from the Labour Party, asserts that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that a ban could enhance both the economy and public health, reducing strain on the NHS.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has firmly stated that the government's proposed measures to prohibit smoking in pub gardens are not aimed at targeting the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell, speaking on Sky News' "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," expressed Labour's ambition to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that any strategies implemented toward this goal would be formulated "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to individuals aged 14 and younger, a plan that was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated his willingness to extend prohibitions to include smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to lower the toll of preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about concerns that this action might devastate the commercial sector, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are its supporters. It plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won’t speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, however, I can confirm that any initiatives to broaden the scope of smoking-related regulations will be developed in close collaboration with the hospitality sector."

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She mentioned that there has been a long-standing agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, emphasizing that the health and economic advantages would be significant.

Smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths annually and is estimated to cost the National Health Service (NHS) in England around £2.6 billion each year.

Health advocates are expressing support for the new proposals, however, representatives from the hospitality industry caution that this could severely impact their businesses, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer garden areas, alfresco dining spots, outdoor sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the leading executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this poses a significant risk of economic damage to hospitality establishments. She noted that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor spaces in good faith, while continuing to encounter financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concern by asking, "Are we nearing the edge of turning into a nanny state? What will happen now?"

"While these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they may cause disagreement and add more regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative Members of Parliament voiced opposition to the proposal, even though they had suggested measures to reduce smoking among the youth. On X, shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins stated, "We aim to shield our kids from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted for this purpose."

"However, we had no intention of preventing adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's approach endangers our hospitality industry."

Reform chief Nigel Farage declared to a newspaper that he would "forever avoid pubs if smoking outdoors were prohibited."

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 decrease of 2.4% in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a 12.3% drop in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, yet they emphasize the necessity of providing outdoor spaces for smokers to prevent them from smoking inside.

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