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

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to undermine the hospitality sector. She argued that making the UK smoke-free would be advantageous for both the economy and the NHS.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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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 Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, expressing Labour's goal to establish a "smoke-free country." She stated that any steps taken towards this aim would be carried out "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The current administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, designed to prevent anyone 14 years old and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes, although it was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that he might extend regulations to prohibit smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about concerns that this decision might harm businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind it fully. 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 will mention that any steps to broaden regulations on smoking will be taken after thorough discussions with the hospitality industry."

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SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as a diversion, intended to shift attention away from Labour's bleak austerity narrative.

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She also mentioned that for quite some time, there has been a universal agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, which would bring significant health and financial advantages.

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

Health advocates have expressed approval for the new proposals, but leaders in the hospitality industry caution that this could be a devastating blow after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

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

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, warned that there is a significant risk of economic damage to hospitality establishments, which have heavily invested in outdoor areas and are still experiencing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed the question: "Are we nearing the threshold of turning into a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they may cause disagreements and add additional regulatory challenges for businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have voiced their opposition to the strategy, despite putting forward their own measures aimed at reducing smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed on X, "Our goal is to shield our youth from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, we never intended to prohibit adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper 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.

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 has expressed its backing for the government's plans, emphasizing the necessity of providing outdoor spaces for smokers to ensure they do not resort to smoking indoors.

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