Lucy Powell Asserts Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Foster Smoke-Free Future, Not Harm Hospitality Sector

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, asserts that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a ban on smoking in these areas could positively impact both the economy and healthcare services.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has firmly stated that the government's proposed plans to prohibit smoking in pub gardens are not aimed at targeting the hospitality sector.

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

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The recently formed administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's major tobacco legislation, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone aged 14 or younger, indefinitely. However, this initiative 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 fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the notion that this decision might harm businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We back the hospitality industry wholeheartedly. It's crucial for our local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming bills, but I can assure you that any steps taken to broaden regulations concerning smoking will involve thorough discussions with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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

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

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

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer gardens, alfresco dining areas, external sections of 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 threat of economic damage to hospitality establishments, which have heavily invested in outdoor areas and are still dealing with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a pressing issue, asking, "Are we on the verge of turning into a nanny state? What comes next?"

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

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

"However, prohibiting outdoor smoking among adults was never in our agenda. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

In an interview with a newspaper, political figure Nigel Farage stated that he would "never visit a pub again if smoking outdoors was prohibited."

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking within bars and other enclosed 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 initiatives, emphasizing the necessity for designated outdoor areas for smokers to help deter them from smoking indoors.

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