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

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 argues that a nationwide smoking ban 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 asserted that the government's proposed measures to prohibit smoking in pub gardens are not intended as an assault on the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell informed Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free nation," and that any steps taken towards this goal will be discussed "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The current administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, which aimed to prevent anyone 14 years old or younger from ever purchasing cigarettes, though it had been set aside prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might extend the smoking ban to include outdoor venues as well, aiming to lower the number of deaths caused by tobacco.

In response to concerns that this decision might harm businesses, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We back the hospitality sector. It’s crucial for our local communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming laws, but I will emphasize that any initiatives to broaden regulations on smoking will be thoroughly discussed with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader at Westminster, has described the proposed smoking ban as merely a diversion to distract from the negative impacts of Labour's austerity policies.

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She also mentioned that "for a long time, there has been a general agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation," emphasizing that the health and economic advantages "would be significant."

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

Health advocates have praised the recent proposals, but executives in the hospitality industry caution that these measures might deliver a devastating blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing economic hardships.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might encompass areas such as beer gardens, al fresco dining spots, 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 establishments, which have made substantial investments in outdoor areas and are still experiencing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, commented, "This brings up a crucial issue: Are we verging on a nanny state? What will follow?"

"Though these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they carry the potential to polarize views and add further regulatory strain to businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have expressed 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 smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, we didn't intend to prevent adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper that he would "forever avoid pubs if outdoor smoking 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 admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's initiatives, yet emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor areas for smokers to prevent them from smoking inside.

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