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

Lucy Powell, the leader for 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 such bans could lead to economic gains and health benefits for the NHS by promoting a smoke-free environment.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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

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

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's prominent tobacco legislation, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after a certain year, effectively making it illegal for those 14 and younger to ever purchase cigarettes. However, this proposal was put on hold prior to the election

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced potential plans to extend smoking bans to outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the number of deaths caused by tobacco-related illnesses.

When questioned about the view that this action might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We back the hospitality sector fully. It’s crucial for our local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of potential future laws, but I can assure you that any steps to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be taken with thorough input from those in the hospitality industry."

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

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

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, but representatives from the hospitality industry caution that these measures could severely impact their businesses, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living increases.

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 head of UKHospitality, expressed concern that this poses a significant economic threat to hospitality businesses, which have heavily invested in outdoor areas and are still grappling with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a pivotal inquiry: "Are we approaching the threshold of a nanny state? What comes next?"

"While these actions might be justified 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 voiced opposition to the initiative, even though they had suggested measures to limit smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, "We aim to shield our children from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose."

"However, our agenda did not include prohibiting outdoor smoking for adults. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper that he would "stop visiting pubs altogether if they prohibited outdoor smoking."

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 admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH has expressed their approval of the government's plans, emphasizing the necessity of providing designated outdoor areas for smokers to ensure they do not resort to smoking indoors.

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