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

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not intended to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a ban on smoking in places like pub gardens could positively impact both the economy and healthcare services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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

Lucy Powell spoke with Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning, stating that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She noted that any steps taken towards this goal would involve discussions with businesses that might be impacted.

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The newly elected administration vowed to revive Rishi Sunak's main anti-smoking initiative, which proposed a permanent ban on cigarette sales to individuals born after a certain year, effectively preventing those 14 and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes. However, this plan was put on hold prior to the election.

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

When questioned on the claim that this decision might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind it fully. It plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the contents of upcoming legislation. However, I can assure you that any decisions to broaden regulations concerning smoking will involve thorough discussions with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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She mentioned that for quite some time, there has been a general agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, noting that the potential health and economic advantages would be substantial.

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

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might deliver a crippling blow, especially after the hardships brought on by 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 chief executive of UKHospitality, warned that this poses a significant economic threat to hospitality venues. She noted that these businesses have made substantial investments in outdoor spaces in good faith, even as they continue to grapple with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the Chief Executive Officer of the Night Time Industries Association, posed the question, "Does this move us closer to being a nanny state? What will follow?"

"Although these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they could potentially polarize views and place an additional regulatory load on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Tory MPs have expressed opposition to the strategy, even though they themselves have suggested measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, stating: "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, it was never our intention to prevent adults from smoking outdoors. In doing so, Labour is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

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

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking within pubs and various 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 endorses the government's initiatives, emphasizing the necessity for designated outdoor areas for smokers to avoid encouraging indoor smoking.

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