Lucy Powell Asserts Outdoor Smoking Ban Aids Economy and Health, Not a Blow to Hospitality

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, argues that prohibiting outdoor smoking is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She supports the idea of making pub gardens smoke-free, stating that such a move would positively impact both the economy and public health services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

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

Lucy Powell spoke to Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning, stating that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She added that the steps to achieve this goal will be taken after consulting with businesses that might be impacted.

Live Politics Update: Labour Upholds Commitment to National Insurance Promise

The current administration has committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone aged 14 or younger, a proposal that was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that he might also consider prohibiting smoking at outdoor venues in an effort to decrease the number of deaths that can be prevented and are attributed to tobacco consumption.

In response to concerns that this action might devastate the industry, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind it fully because it is crucial for our communities, main streets, and economic health."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I will emphasize that any initiatives to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be thoroughly discussed with those in the hospitality industry."

Further Discussion on Smoking

Minister Calls Outdoor Smoking Ban a 'Practical Strategy' to Aid Smoking Cessation

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

Jewish organization deems Esther McVey's tweet on smoking ban 'disgusting'

Associated Subjects:

She mentioned that "there has been a widespread agreement for quite some time that we aim for a smoke-free nation," and the advantages to health and the economy "would be substantial."

Annually, smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths and is estimated to cost England's NHS roughly £2.6 billion.

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these could severely impact businesses already struggling from the pandemic and rising living costs.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might encompass beer gardens, alfresco dining areas, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select smaller parks.

Discover additional details on Sky News: Oasis enthusiasts express disappointment over increased ticket costs; Ex-Premier League footballer passes away at 39

Stay ahead with the latest breaking news updates.

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, warned that this poses a significant economic threat to hospitality venues which have heavily invested in outdoor spaces in good faith and are still experiencing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed the question: "Are we approaching the edge of becoming a nanny state? What will follow?"

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

Several Conservative MPs have expressed opposition to the proposal, even though they have their own measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, stating: "Our aim is to shield our children from starting to smoke and use vapes. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

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

Reform party chief Nigel Farage declared to a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if they banned smoking outdoors."

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

Action on Smoking Health (ASH) reported that within one year, there was a 2.4% decrease in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a 12.3% decrease in hospital admissions for childhood asthma.

ASH expressed their backing for the government's initiatives, yet emphasized the necessity of providing outdoor areas for smokers to prevent them from lighting up inside.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information about Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels of Sky

Additional Sky Websites