Lucy Powell Asserts Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Bolster Economy and Health, Not Hurt Hospitality

Lucy Powell, the leader of the Labour Party in the House of Commons, has stated that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not intended to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that transitioning to a smoke-free nation 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 firmly stated that the government's proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens is not an assault on the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell spoke with Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning, expressing Labour's goal to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that the steps towards this goal would be developed "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation that aimed to permanently prohibit the sale of cigarettes to individuals aged 14 and younger, though it was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might extend restrictions to include banning smoking in outdoor areas as well, aiming to decrease the number of deaths that are preventable and associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the assertion that this action might be detrimental to businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind the hospitality industry. It plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I can assure you that any plans to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be developed in close collaboration with the hospitality industry."

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

Smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths annually and is estimated to cost England's NHS around £2.6 billion each year.

Health advocates have expressed approval of the new proposals, however, key figures in the hospitality industry caution that these measures might severely impact the sector, already struggling from the pandemic and rising living costs.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might encompass areas such as pub gardens, outdoor dining venues, external areas of sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that there is a "potential for severe economic damage to hospitality venues," which have "made substantial investments in outdoor areas in good faith and are still dealing with financial hardships."

Michael Kill, head of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a pivotal inquiry: "Are we edging toward becoming a nanny state? What comes after this?"

"While these actions might be justified by health concerns, they could polarize views and add more regulatory obligations to companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have voiced opposition to the strategy, even though they have suggested their own measures to reduce smoking among the young. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this aim in mind.

"Our agenda did not include preventing adults from smoking outdoors. However, Labour's current approach may jeopardize our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed 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 pubs and various 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 has expressed its approval for the government's proposed measures, noting that it is crucial for smokers to have designated outdoor areas to smoke, which can help deter them from smoking inside.

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