Lucy Powell Champions Smoke-Free Vision Amid Hospitality Industry Concerns

Lucy Powell, the Labour Party's leader in the House of Commons, has stated 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 positively impact both the economy and healthcare services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has emphasized that the government's proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens is not an assault on the hospitality sector.

On Sky News' "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," Lucy Powell expressed Labour's ambition to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that any actions taken toward this goal would be implemented following discussions with potentially impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, designed to permanently prevent anyone 14 or younger from purchasing cigarettes, though it had been set aside prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that his measures against smoking might extend to prohibiting it at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the number of deaths that are preventable and associated with tobacco consumption.

In response to concerns that this decision might negatively impact businesses, Ms. Powell commented, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We back the hospitality sector. 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 fully discussed with those in the hospitality industry."

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She noted that there has been widespread agreement for quite some time on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, and emphasized that the health and economic advantages of this would be substantial.

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 new proposals, however, key figures in the hospitality industry caution that this could be a devastating blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living increases.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might cover areas such as beer gardens, outdoor dining venues, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this presents a significant economic threat to hospitality venues. She noted that these establishments have made substantial investments in outdoor spaces in good faith, yet they still encounter financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concern by asking, "Does this move us closer to being a nanny state? What will follow?"

"Although these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they have the potential to create disagreement and add additional regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Tory MPs have voiced opposition to the initiative, even though they have suggested measures to prevent smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, "Our aim is to shield our children from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

"However, our agenda did not include prohibiting outdoor smoking for adults. Labour's actions are 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 pubs and various other indoor public areas.

According to Action on Smoking Health (ASH), it resulted in 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 endorses the government's plans, but emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage indoor smoking among tobacco users.

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