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

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has asserted that a proposed ban on smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant as a strike against the hospitality sector. She argued that such a ban 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 measures to prohibit smoking in pub gardens are not aimed at targeting 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 steps toward this goal would be taken "in consultation" with businesses that might be impacted.

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The recently formed administration committed to reviving Rishi Sunak’s key tobacco legislation, which aimed to prevent those aged 14 or younger from purchasing cigarettes in the future, although it was put on hold prior to the elections.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that his efforts might extend to prohibiting smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the preventable deaths associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the claim that this decision may be detrimental to business, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind the hospitality industry. It is crucial for our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics 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 industry."

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SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has criticized the proposed smoking ban, labeling it a distraction tactic by Labour to shift attention away from their dire austerity measures.

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She also noted that for quite some time, there has been a widespread agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, which would result in significant health and economic advantages.

Smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths annually and is estimated to cost the NHS in England roughly £2.6 billion each year.

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

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

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that these changes could severely impact the economic health of hospitality establishments. She noted that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor areas and are still dealing with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a crucial query: "Are we nearing the edge of transforming into a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these policies are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they run the risk of polarizing public opinion and adding more regulatory demands on businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Tory MPs have expressed their opposition to the strategy, even though they have suggested their own measures to limit smoking among the youth. On X, shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins stated, "We aim to shield our children from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this goal in mind.

"We never intended to prevent adults from smoking outdoors. Yet, Labour's actions could potentially jeopardize our hospitality industry."

Reform chief Nigel Farage informed a publication that he would "stop visiting pubs altogether if they prohibited 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 2.4% decrease in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a 12.3% decrease in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, yet emphasizes the necessity of providing designated outdoor areas for smokers, to discourage indoor smoking.

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