Lucy Powell Champions Smoke-Free Future: Outdoor Smoking Ban to Benefit Health and Economy, Not Harm Hospitality

Lucy Powell, the Labour Party's leader in the House of Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that making the UK smoke-free could actually have positive economic impacts and help the National Health Service.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 11

For a better video viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

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 Sky News on "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips" stating that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She noted that any actions taken towards this goal would be implemented after consulting with businesses that might be impacted.

Live Politics Update: Labour Firmly Supports Commitment to National Insurance Pledge

The current administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone who is 14 years old or younger, indefinitely. However, this plan was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might extend prohibitions to include smoking at outdoor venues as well, in an effort to decrease the preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about concerns that this decision might harm businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind it fully. It plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economic system."

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

Further Discussion on Smoking

Minister Calls Outdoor Smoking Ban a 'Practical Measure' to Aid in Quitting Smoking

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as a diversion tactic to shift attention away from Labour's bleak austerity narrative.

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

She also noted 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 substantial."

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 recent initiatives, but hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might deliver 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 cover areas such as pub gardens, al fresco dining spots, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain small parks.

Discover further details on Sky News: Oasis enthusiasts lament spike in concert 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 there is a significant risk of economic damage 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, posed a pressing query: "Are we edging toward a nanny state? What comes next?"

"While these initiatives are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they risk polarizing views and adding more regulatory pressure on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have expressed opposition to the initiative, even though they have suggested 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 to smoke and vape. Our legislation for 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."

Reform leader Nigel Farage declared to a newspaper 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 decrease of 2.4% in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a 12.3% drop in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, emphasizing the need for designated outdoor spaces for smokers to help avoid indoor smoking.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information About Sky News

Services Offered by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites