Lucy Powell Defends Outdoor Smoking Ban: Not an Attack on Hospitality, But a Step Toward a Healthier Economy

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting outdoor smoking is not intended to harm the hospitality sector. She supported possible regulations to eliminate smoking in areas like pub gardens, arguing that a smoke-free environment would improve both the economy and the NHS.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A cabinet minister has stated that the government's proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens is not 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 developed "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The recently formed administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak’s key anti-smoking legislation, which proposed a lifetime ban on cigarette purchases for individuals aged 14 or younger. However, the proposal was set aside prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that his measures might extend to prohibiting smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the preventable fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about concerns that this decision might harm businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are backers of the hospitality industry. It plays a crucial role in our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation, but I will emphasize that any proposed extensions related to smoking regulations will be fully discussed with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader in Westminster, has described the proposed smoking ban as merely a distraction from the negative impacts of Labour's austerity measures.

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She also mentioned that "for quite some time, there has been a unanimous agreement on the desire for a smoke-free nation," emphasizing that the health and economic advantages "would be substantial."

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

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, however, executives in the hospitality industry caution that this could be the last straw after the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the rising cost of living.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might encompass outdoor areas of pubs, dining establishments, and sports facilities, as well as hospitals, nightclubs, and certain smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the leading executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this poses a significant threat of economic damage to hospitality establishments. She noted that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor areas and are still confronting ongoing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, the Chief Executive Officer of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concern, asking, "Are we approaching the threshold of becoming a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these steps are likely taken with public health in mind, they could potentially polarize views and add new regulatory challenges for businesses that are already under significant strain."

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

"Our strategy did not include prohibiting outdoor smoking for adults. However, Labour's actions are jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

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

In 2007, the previous Labour administration implemented a prohibition on smoking in 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% decline in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH has expressed their backing for the government's initiatives; however, they emphasize the necessity of providing outdoor spaces for smokers, to discourage the practice of smoking inside.

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