Lucy Powell Defends Outdoor Smoking Ban: Aiming for a Smoke-Free UK, Not Targeting Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons from the Labour Party, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a smoking ban in these areas 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 firmly stated that the government's proposed legislation to prohibit smoking in pub gardens is not an assault on the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell spoke on Sky News' "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," stating that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free country." She noted that the steps taken towards this goal would be implemented after consulting with potentially impacted businesses.

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The current administration committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone aged 14 or younger for life, though it was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might extend the ban on smoking to include outdoor venues as well, in an effort to decrease the number of deaths caused by tobacco use.

When questioned about concerns that this decision might harm businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind the hospitality industry. It is crucial for our local 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 related to smoking will involve thorough discussions with those in the hospitality sector."

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SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as a distraction, aimed at shifting focus from the negative impacts of Labour’s austerity measures.

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She mentioned that for quite some time, there has been a general agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, and the advantages to health and the economy from doing so would be substantial.

Smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths annually and is estimated to cost the NHS in England around £2.6 billion each year.

Health advocates have expressed support for the new proposals, however, representatives from the hospitality industry caution that these measures may deliver a critical blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and rising living costs.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer gardens, alfresco dining areas, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the leading executive of UKHospitality, warned that there is a significant risk of economic damage to hospitality venues which have made substantial investments in outdoor spaces in good faith, while still encountering financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed a poignant query: "Are we verging on transforming into a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these initiatives are likely based on concerns for public health, they could polarize views and add more regulatory demands on businesses that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have expressed their opposition to the initiative, even though they have introduced their own measures to restrict 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 for a smoke-free generation aims to achieve this.

"However, we had not intended 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 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, yet emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage indoor smoking among smokers.

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