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

Lucy Powell, the Commons leader for 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 ban on smoking in these areas could positively impact both the economy and healthcare services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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

Speaking on Sky News' "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," Lucy Powell expressed Labour's intention to establish a "smoke-free country." She mentioned that steps to accomplish this would be taken in collaboration with businesses that might be impacted.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key smoking legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to anyone aged 14 and younger, although it was postponed prior to the elections.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced potential plans to extend smoking bans to include outdoor venues, aiming to decrease the fatalities associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned about concerns that this action might harm businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are in support of it. It's crucial for our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of potential upcoming laws, but I will emphasize that any steps to broaden regulations concerning smoking will involve thorough discussions with those in the hospitality industry."

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She mentioned that for quite some time, 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 cost England's NHS roughly £2.6 billion each year.

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

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

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this could lead to severe economic damage for hospitality venues. She noted that these establishments have made substantial investments in outdoor areas and are still experiencing financial difficulties.

Michael Kill, chief of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concern, asking, "Are we edging closer to being a nanny state? What will follow?"

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

Several Conservative MPs have expressed opposition to the initiative, even though they have suggested their own measures to prevent smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins shared on X, stating, "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting smoking and vaping. 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 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 pubs and various 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 tobacco users.

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