Lucy Powell Defends Outdoor Smoking Ban Plans, Insists No Attack on Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, leader of Labour in the Commons, has emphasized that proposed legislation to prohibit smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not intended to harm the hospitality sector. Powell argued that creating a smoke-free environment would positively impact both the economy and 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 plans to prohibit smoking in pub gardens are not intended to target the hospitality sector.

Lucy Powell informed Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free nation" and plans to implement this will be discussed "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The incoming administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to anyone 14 years old or younger, however, this initiative was postponed prior to the elections.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated the possibility of extending current smoking prohibitions to include outdoor areas as well, aiming to decrease the number of deaths caused by tobacco-related health issues.

When questioned on the feedback that this decision might "destroy business," Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are behind the hospitality sector. It is crucial for our communities, our main streets, and our economy."

"I won't speculate on the specifics of upcoming legislation; however, I can confirm that any initiatives to broaden regulations related to smoking will involve thorough discussions with stakeholders in the hospitality sector."

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Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader in Westminster, has described the proposed smoking ban as a diversionary tactic by Labour to shift focus from their austere economic policies.

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She mentioned that there has been a widespread agreement for quite some time that the goal is to achieve a smoke-free nation, and the potential health and economic advantages "would be substantial".

Annually, smoking is responsible for approximately 80,000 deaths and is estimated to cost England's NHS roughly £2.6 billion.

Health advocates have expressed support for the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these measures might further harm businesses already struggling from the pandemic and the rising cost of living.

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

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Kate Nicholls, the head of UKHospitality, warned that this could lead to substantial economic damage for hospitality venues. She noted that these establishments have made significant investments in outdoor areas and are still dealing with financial hardships.

Michael Kill, who leads the Night Time Industries Association, commented: "This brings up a crucial issue: Are we heading towards being a nanny state? What will happen now?"

"Although these actions are presumably guided by concerns for public health, they could potentially polarize views and add more regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs have voiced their opposition to the initiative, even though they have suggested their own measures to discourage smoking among the youth. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed on X, "Our goal is to shield our children from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind.

"Our intention was never to prohibit outdoor smoking for adults. Yet, Labour's actions are jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if a ban on outdoor smoking were implemented."

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 2.4% decrease in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a 12.3% decrease in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within one year.

ASH endorses the government's initiatives, emphasizing the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to deter smokers from lighting up inside.

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