Lucy Powell Defends Outdoor Smoking Ban: A Step Towards a Smoke-Free Nation, Not an Attack on Hospitality

Lucy Powell, the Labour Party's leader in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She advocated for the ban, arguing that a smoke-free nation would have positive economic outcomes and help the National Health Service.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 11

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

Lucy Powell spoke to Sky News on "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," expressing Labour's goal to establish a "smoke-free country." She mentioned that any steps taken towards this aim would involve discussions with potentially impacted businesses.

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The recent administration committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's major tobacco legislation, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to individuals aged 14 and younger permanently. However, this policy was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced he might extend current restrictions to include banning smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the preventable deaths associated with tobacco use.

When questioned about concerns that this action might destroy businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind the hospitality sector. It is crucial for 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 also mentioned that "for quite some time, there has been a unanimous agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation," and the advantages to health and economy "would be substantial."

Annually, smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths and is estimated to burden the NHS in England with costs of about £2.6 billion.

Health advocates have embraced the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might deliver a crippling blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the proposed prohibition might cover areas such as beer gardens, alfresco dining spots, external sports facilities, medical centers, nightclubs, and select small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of the industry group UKHospitality, expressed concerns that the new developments pose a significant risk of economic damage to hospitality establishments. She highlighted that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor areas and are still grappling with financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, remarked, "This prompts a crucial inquiry: Are we on the verge of evolving into a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these policies might be motivated by legitimate health concerns, they risk polarizing public opinion and adding more regulatory pressure on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Tory MPs have expressed opposition to the initiative, although they have their own measures to reduce smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X: "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and use e-cigarettes. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

"However, prohibiting adults from smoking outdoors was never included in our agenda. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

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

ASH endorses the government's plans, yet emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor spaces for smokers to help avoid indoor smoking.

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