Lucy Powell Defends Outdoor Smoking Ban, Asserts Support for Hospitality Industry Amid Health and Economic Goals

Lucy Powell, the Labour Party's leader in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not aimed at undermining the hospitality sector. She argued that such a ban could positively impact both the economy and the health services by fostering a smoke-free environment.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has asserted that the government's proposed legislation to prohibit smoking in pub gardens does not constitute an assault on the hospitality sector.

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

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The recently formed administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, designed to prevent those aged 14 and younger from ever purchasing cigarettes, however, this proposal 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 the concerns that this decision might "destroy business," Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We back the hospitality sector. It’s crucial for our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of potential future laws, but I will emphasize that any initiatives to broaden regulations concerning smoking will involve thorough discussions with the hospitality sector."

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SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as a diversion tactic to shift attention away from Labour’s pessimistic economic policies.

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She noted that there has been a long-standing agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, highlighting that the health and economic gains from such a move would be significant.

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

Health advocates have expressed approval for the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might be devastating, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might extend to beer gardens, al fresco dining areas, and the outdoor sections of sports facilities, as well as hospitals, nightclubs, and certain compact parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, warned that this poses a significant economic threat to hospitality businesses which have heavily invested in outdoor areas, believing it to be in good faith, and are still experiencing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concern, stating, "This prompts a vital inquiry: Are we nearing a point where we become an overprotective state? What follows?"

"While these actions are likely taken with public health in mind, there's a risk they could polarize views and add more regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Tory MPs have voiced opposition to the scheme, even though they have suggested measures to limit smoking among the youth. On the platform X, shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins stated, "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and use e-cigarettes. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation aimed to achieve this."

"However, we never intended to prohibit adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage declared to a newspaper that he would "forever avoid pubs if smoking outdoors were prohibited".

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking within pubs and other indoor public areas.

According to Action on Smoking Health (ASH), there was a decrease of 2.4% in hospital admissions due to heart attacks and a 12.3% decrease in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within a year.

ASH endorses the government's plans, yet stresses the importance of providing designated outdoor areas for smokers to ensure they avoid smoking inside.

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