Lucy Powell Advocates for Smoke-Free UK, Emphasizes Economic and Health Benefits Amid Outdoor Smoking Ban Debate

Lucy Powell, Leader of the Labour Party in the Commons, asserts that prohibiting outdoor smoking is not a strike against the hospitality sector. She supported proposals to eliminate smoking in outdoor areas of pubs, arguing that a smoke-free nation would be advantageous for both the economy and public health services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has firmly stated that the government's proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens is not an assault on the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell spoke on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, expressing Labour's goal to establish a "smoke-free country." She noted that the implementation of policies to attain this would involve discussions with potentially impacted businesses.

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The recently formed administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key anti-smoking 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 announced that he might extend prohibitions to include smoking at outdoor venues as well, in an effort to decrease the number of deaths that are preventable and associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about the potential negative impact on commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind it fully because it plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the contents of upcoming legislation, but I will emphasize that any steps to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be taken after thorough discussions with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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She noted that there has been widespread agreement for quite some time 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 England's NHS roughly £2.6 billion each year.

Health advocates have expressed approval for the new proposals, however, hospitality sector executives caution that this could severely impact the industry, which is already struggling from the effects of the pandemic and the rising cost of living.

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

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this could lead to significant economic damage for hospitality businesses. She highlighted that these venues have made considerable investments in outdoor areas and are still grappling with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a poignant inquiry: "Is this the tipping point toward transforming into a nanny state? What follows?"

"While these initiatives are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they carry the potential to polarize views and add more regulatory demands on businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have expressed their opposition to the initiative, even though they have suggested their own measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins stated on X: "Our goal is to shield our children from starting to smoke and use e-cigarettes. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

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

Reform leader Nigel Farage stated in an interview with a newspaper that he would stop visiting pubs altogether if smoking outdoors were to be 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 admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, emphasizing the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage indoor smoking among tobacco users.

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