Lucy Powell Asserts Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Protect Public Health, Not Harm Hospitality Industry

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 a nationwide smoking ban would be economically beneficial and would also help the NHS.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser

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 conveyed to Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free nation," and that steps toward this goal will be taken following discussions with potentially impacted businesses.

Live Politics Update: Labour Remains Committed to National Insurance Promise

The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, designed 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 announced plans to potentially extend the smoking ban to outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the preventable deaths associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the backlash suggesting this decision might "destroy businesses," Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are backers of the hospitality industry which is crucial for our local communities, main streets, and economic health."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I will emphasize that any initiatives to broaden regulations on smoking will be fully discussed with those in the hospitality industry."

Further Discussion on Smoking

Minister Calls Outdoor Smoking Ban a 'Practical Strategy' for Quitting Smoking

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as merely a distraction from the Labour Party's grim austerity agenda.

Tweet by Esther McVey on smoking ban called 'repugnant' by Jewish organization

She also mentioned that "for quite some 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."

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 expressed approval for the new proposals, however, representatives from the hospitality industry caution that this could deal a devastating blow to businesses already weakened by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

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

Discover more at Sky News: Oasis enthusiasts upset over rising ticket costs; Ex-Premier League player passes away at 39

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this move could cause significant economic damage to hospitality venues. She noted that these businesses have made substantial investments in outdoor areas, believing it would pay off, yet they still encounter ongoing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the Chief Executive Officer of the Night Time Industries Association, commented, "This brings up an essential issue: Are we on the verge of turning into a nanny state? What will happen now?"

"While these steps are likely taken for public health reasons, they could create further controversy 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 suggested their own measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, stating: "Our goal is to shield our children from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, we never intended to prevent adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's actions are jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Political figure Nigel Farage informed a publication that he would "forever avoid pubs if they prohibited smoking outdoors."

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 their backing for the government's initiatives, highlighting the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage indoor smoking among tobacco users.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels on Sky

Additional Sky Websites