Lucy Powell Asserts Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Protect Public, Not Penalize Pubs

Lucy Powell, the Labour Party's leader in the Commons, has affirmed that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a smoking ban in these areas could positively impact the economy and the health service.

Politics correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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

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

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, designed to prevent individuals aged 14 and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes, although it was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that his efforts might extend to prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas as well, aiming to decrease the toll of preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about the concerns that this decision might devastate businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are here to support it because it is essential for our communities, our high streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the contents of upcoming legislation. However, I can assure you that any actions to broaden regulations on smoking will involve thorough discussions with representatives from the hospitality industry."

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She 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 cost England's NHS roughly £2.6 billion.

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

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer gardens, al fresco dining areas, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the CEO of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this could potentially cause considerable economic damage to hospitality establishments. She emphasized that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor areas and are still dealing with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concern by asking, "Does this situation signal that we are edging towards a nanny state? What will follow?"

"Although these actions might be justified by concerns for public health, there's a possibility they could polarize views and add more regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs expressed opposition to the initiative, even though they had suggested 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 use vapes. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

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

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a publication that he would "never visit a pub again if smoking outside was prohibited."

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking within bars and other indoor public areas.

According to Action on Smoking Health (ASH), there was a decrease of 2.4% in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a decrease of 12.3% 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.

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