Lucy Powell Champions Smoke-Free Vision Amid Proposed Outdoor Smoking Ban, Asserts Support for Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, the leader of the Labour Party in the Commons, maintains that the proposed prohibition of smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a nationwide smoking ban could positively impact both the economy and the health 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.

Lucy Powell spoke on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, expressing Labour's intention to establish a "smoke-free country." She highlighted that the steps towards this goal would be taken "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The recently formed administration committed to reviving the key tobacco legislation originally proposed by Rishi Sunak, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to individuals aged 14 and younger permanently. However, this initiative was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced considerations for extending the smoking ban to include outdoor venues, aiming to decrease the deaths associated with tobacco consumption.

In response to concerns that this action might devastate the industry, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind it fully as it is crucial for our local communities, main streets, and economic health."

"I won't speculate on the contents of upcoming legislation. However, I can confirm that any initiatives to broaden regulations on smoking will involve thorough discussions with the hospitality sector."

Further Discussion on Smoking

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

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as a diversionary tactic by Labour to shift attention away from their gloomy austerity measures.

A tweet by Esther McVey about a smoking ban has been called 'repugnant' by a Jewish organization.

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She mentioned that there has been a longstanding agreement on the desire for a smoke-free nation, emphasizing that the health and economic advantages "would be immense."

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

Health advocates have embraced the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that this could be the last straw, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

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

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that there is a "real risk of significant economic damage to hospitality establishments," which have "heavily invested in outdoor areas in good faith and are still dealing with financial difficulties."

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed the question: "Does this situation suggest we're nearing nanny state status? What could possibly come after this?"

"While these actions 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 have expressed opposition to the scheme, even though they have previously suggested measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, "We aim to shield our kids from starting smoking and vaping. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, it was never our intention to prevent adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's actions are jeopardizing our hospitality industry in the process."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if they prohibited outdoor smoking."

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 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 plans, highlighting the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to deter individuals from smoking inside.

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