Lucy Powell Champions Outdoor Smoking Ban, Asserts No Threat to Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, maintains that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that a ban on smoking, including in pub gardens, could positively impact both the economy and the health service.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

For an improved video experience, consider using the Chrome browser.

A cabinet minister has firmly stated that the government's proposed plans to prohibit smoking in pub gardens are not intended as 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 any actions taken toward this end would involve discussions with potentially impacted businesses.

Live Politics Update: Labour 'remains committed' to its promise on national insurance

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

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the possibility of extending smoking bans to outdoor areas, aiming to decrease the number of deaths caused by tobacco-related issues.

When questioned on concerns that this decision might harm businesses, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind supporting it. It plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

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

Further Discussion on Smoking

Minister Supports Outdoor Smoking Prohibition as Practical Strategy to Aid Smoking Cessation

Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader in Westminster, has described the proposed smoking ban as merely a distraction from the negative impacts of Labour's austerity measures.

Jewish organization condemns Esther McVey's tweet about smoking ban as 'repugnant'

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

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

Health advocates have expressed support for the new proposals, but key figures in the hospitality industry caution that these measures might 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 gardens, al fresco dining areas, outdoor sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain smaller parks.

Discover additional details on Sky News: Oasis enthusiasts express frustration over spike in concert ticket costs; Ex-Premier League footballer passes away at 39.

Stay ahead with the latest breaking news updates.

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that the situation "brings the potential for substantial economic damage to hospitality establishments," which have "made considerable investments in outdoor areas in good faith and are still grappling with financial difficulties."

Michael Kill, the Chief Executive Officer of the Night Time Industries Association, questioned: "This brings up an important issue: Are we heading towards becoming a nanny state? What will happen now?"

"Although these policies are likely motivated by concerns for public health, there's a chance they could polarize views and add more regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs voiced opposition to the initiative, even though they had suggested their own measures to limit 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 aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

"However, we never intended to prohibit adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform advocate Nigel Farage declared to a newspaper that he would "forever avoid pubs if smoking outdoors were prohibited".

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

Action on Smoking Health (ASH) reported that within one year, there was a 2.4% decrease in hospital admissions due to heart attacks and a 12.3% decrease in hospital admissions for childhood asthma.

ASH has expressed approval for the government's initiatives, emphasizing the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage indoor smoking among tobacco users.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information about Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites