Lucy Powell Asserts Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Boost Public Health, 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 harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing such bans could positively impact both the economy and health services by promoting a smoke-free environment.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has strongly denied that the government's proposed prohibition on smoking in pub gardens is an assault on the hospitality sector.

Speaking on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Lucy Powell stated that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free country," and that steps toward this goal will be taken "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, which aimed to prevent anyone aged 14 and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes. However, this proposal was put on hold prior to the election.

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

When questioned on the concerns that this action might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We back the hospitality sector fully. It is crucial for our local 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 fully discussed with those in the hospitality industry."

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She mentioned that there has been a longstanding agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, and the health and economic advantages of this would be significant.

Annually, smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths and is estimated to burden the NHS in England with costs of around £2.6 billion.

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, however, hospitality industry executives caution that this could deal a devastating blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer garden areas, al fresco dining spots, outdoor sports facilities, healthcare facilities, nightlife spots, and select small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the leading executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this could cause substantial economic damage to hospitality businesses. She noted that these venues have made considerable investments in outdoor areas, believing in their potential, yet they still encounter ongoing financial difficulties.

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

"While these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they could create further division among the public and add more regulatory demands on businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have expressed their opposition to the initiative, even though they have suggested their own measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

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

Reform leader Nigel Farage stated to a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if there was a ban on 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 hospitalizations for heart attacks and a 12.3% decrease in hospitalizations for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, yet emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to deter smokers from doing so inside.

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