Lucy Powell Advocates for Smoke-Free Outdoor Venues, Asserts No Threat to Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has stated that prohibiting smoking in outdoor pub areas is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that a ban could actually enhance both the economy and the health system by promoting a smoke-free environment.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

For an optimal video playback experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser

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

Lucy Powell spoke to Sky News on "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," stating that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She noted that any actions taken would be implemented after consulting with potentially impacted businesses.

Live Politics Updates: Labour Confirms Commitment to National Insurance Promise

The recently formed administration had committed to reinstating Rishi Sunak's prominent 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 prohibitions to include smoking at outdoor venues, as part of efforts to decrease the number of deaths attributed to tobacco use.

In response to concerns that this decision might harm businesses, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are backers of this industry, which is crucial for our local communities, high streets, and overall economic health."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I will emphasize that any initiatives to broaden smoking-related regulations will be implemented after thorough discussions with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

Further Discussion on Smoking

Minister Calls Outdoor Smoking Ban 'Practical Strategy' for Cessation Aid

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as a distraction tactic by Labour to shift attention away from their pessimistic austerity policies.

A Jewish organization has criticized Esther McVey's tweet about smoking bans as 'repugnant'.

Associated Subjects:

She mentioned that there has been a widespread agreement for quite some time that the goal is to achieve a smoke-free nation, and that the potential health and economic advantages would be significant.

Annually, smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths and is estimated to cost the NHS in England around £2.6 billion.

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that this could be the last straw after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the rising cost of living.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might encompass areas such as beer garden spaces, alfresco dining spots, external sports facilities, medical centers, nightclubs, and select smaller parks.

Discover more at Sky News: Fans of Oasis voice frustration over spike in concert ticket costs; Ex-Premier League player passes away at 39.

Stay ahead with the latest breaking news updates

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this poses a significant economic threat to hospitality establishments, which have made substantial investments in outdoor areas and are still experiencing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, commented, "This prompts a crucial inquiry: Are we nearing the threshold of transforming into a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these actions may be motivated by valid health concerns, they could potentially polarize public opinion and add more regulatory challenges for businesses that are already under significant strain."

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, stating: "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and use vapes. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, it was never our intention to prohibit adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's actions are endangering our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage stated in an interview with a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again 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 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, but they emphasize the necessity of providing designated outdoor areas for smokers, to discourage them from smoking inside.

Associated Subjects

Footer for Sky News

Information about Sky News

Services Offered by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites