Lucy Powell Defends Outdoor Smoking Ban, Insists It’s Not an Attack on Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has spoken out in defense of proposed restrictions on smoking in pub gardens. She argued that moving towards a smoke-free nation would positively impact both the economy and the health services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 11

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A cabinet minister has asserted that the government's proposed plans to prohibit smoking in pub gardens are not intended as an attack on the hospitality sector.

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

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The recently elected administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak’s key tobacco legislation, which aimed to prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after a certain year, ensuring they would never be legally able to purchase tobacco. However, this proposal was put on hold prior to the electoral process.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might take additional steps by prohibiting smoking in 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 harm the business sector, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are in favor of it because it plays a crucial role in our communities, our high streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I will emphasize that any initiatives aimed at expanding regulations on smoking will involve thorough discussions with those in the hospitality industry."

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SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has criticized the proposed smoking ban, labeling it a distraction tactic to shift attention away from Labour's grim austerity narrative.

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She also mentioned that for a considerable period, there has been a widespread agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, noting that the health and economic advantages would be significant.

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

Health advocates have expressed their approval of the recent proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might deal a devastating blow to businesses already struggling from the pandemic and rising living costs.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might encompass outdoor areas such as pub gardens, alfresco dining spots, external sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and select small parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the head of industry group UKHospitality, expressed concerns about the potential severe economic damage to hospitality establishments. She noted that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor areas, believing it would be beneficial, and are still encountering financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, head of the Night Time Industries Association, stated: "This prompts an essential inquiry: Are we edging toward becoming a nanny state? What will follow?

"Although these actions are likely taken with public health in mind, they could potentially polarize views and add more regulatory pressures on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have expressed opposition to the initiative, even though they have their own measures to limit smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X: "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation for a smoke-free generation aims to achieve this.

"However, it was never our intention to prevent adults from smoking outdoors. Labour's approach is jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform party leader Nigel Farage informed 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 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 initiatives, emphasizing the necessity for designated outdoor areas for smokers, to discourage indoor smoking.

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