Lucy Powell Advocates for Smoke-Free UK, Asserts Outdoor Smoking Ban Is in Support, Not Against Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons from the Labour Party, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor pub areas is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a nationwide smoking ban could positively impact both the economy and health services.

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 informed Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning that the Labour Party is aiming to establish a "smoke-free country." She stated that the steps to accomplish this would be implemented following discussions with the impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak’s key tobacco legislation, designed to prevent those aged 14 and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes, although it was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might extend the ban to include smoking at outdoor venues as well, in an effort to decrease the fatalities connected to tobacco consumption that could be avoided.

When questioned about concerns that this action might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We back the hospitality sector fully. It is crucial to our local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the contents of upcoming legislation. However, I can assure you that any initiatives to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be thoroughly discussed with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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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 noted that there has been a longstanding agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, emphasizing that the potential health and economic advantages would be significant.

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 praised the new proposals, but hospitality sector executives caution that these measures might deliver a devastating blow, especially after the hardships of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might cover beer gardens, al fresco dining areas, outdoor sports facilities, medical centers, nightclubs, and certain smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that the new developments could potentially cause substantial economic damage to hospitality establishments. She noted that these businesses have heavily invested in outdoor areas, believing it would pay off, yet they still encounter ongoing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association, asked, "This prompts an essential inquiry: Are we edging towards a nanny state? What comes after this?"

"While these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they could potentially polarize views and add more regulatory pressure on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Tory MPs have voiced their 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 smoking and vaping. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

"However, banning outdoor smoking for adults was never included in our agenda. By doing this, Labour is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a publication that he would "never visit a pub again if they prohibited smoking outdoors."

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking within bars and other enclosed communal areas.

According to Action on Smoking Health (ASH), there was a 2.4% decline 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, emphasizing the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage indoor smoking among tobacco users.

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