Lucy Powell Defends Outdoor Smoking Ban Proposal, Asserting It’s Not a Blow to Hospitality but a Step Toward a Healthier Economy

Lucy Powell, the leader in the House of Commons for the Labour Party, maintains that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that implementing a smoking ban in areas like pub gardens could positively impact the economy and the NHS by promoting a smoke-free environment.

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Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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

Lucy Powell informed Trevor Phillips on Sky News' Sunday Morning that Labour aims to establish a "smoke-free nation" and will discuss potential measures with impacted businesses.

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The recently installed administration committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation. This proposed law aimed to prevent anyone aged 14 or younger from purchasing cigarettes in the future, though it was put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated he might extend prohibitions to include smoking at outdoor venues as part of efforts to decrease the fatalities associated with tobacco use.

When questioned about concerns that this decision might harm business, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind the hospitality industry because it is crucial for our communities, main streets, and economic health."

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

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SNP Westminster head Stephen Flynn claims that the proposed smoking ban is merely a distraction from the negative impacts of Labour's austerity measures.

A tweet by Esther McVey regarding a smoking ban has been criticized as 'repugnant' by a Jewish organization.

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She also mentioned that "there has been a unanimous agreement for quite some time that a smoke-free nation is desirable," emphasizing 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 around £2.6 billion each year.

Health advocates have praised the new proposals, however, executives in the hospitality industry caution that these measures might deliver a devastating blow, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living increase.

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

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Kate Nicholls, the head of the industry group UKHospitality, warned that there is a risk of severe economic damage to hospitality businesses which have "made substantial investments in outdoor areas in good faith and are still dealing with financial difficulties."

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, posed the question: "Are we edging towards becoming a nanny state? What will follow?"

"While these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, there's a possibility they could polarize views and add more regulatory pressures to companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

Several Conservative MPs criticized the initiative, even though they had previously suggested measures to limit smoking among young individuals. Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed on X, "Our goal is to shield our kids from starting to smoke and vape. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, prohibiting outdoor smoking among adults was never included in our agenda. Labour's actions are jeopardizing our hospitality industry."

Reform leader Nigel Farage informed a newspaper that he would "never visit a pub again if they prohibited smoking outdoors."

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 has expressed their backing for the government's initiatives; however, they emphasize the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to discourage individuals from smoking inside.

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