Lucy Powell Defends Proposed Outdoor Smoking Ban, Asserts Commitment to Consultation with Hospitality Industry

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has argued that prohibiting smoking in outdoor pub areas is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She supports the proposal, stating that a smoke-free environment could positively impact both the economy and the health services.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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

Lucy Powell communicated to Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that the Labour Party aims to establish a "smoke-free nation." She mentioned that steps toward this goal would be taken "in consultation" with potentially impacted businesses.

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The recently formed administration had committed to reviving Rishi Sunak's key tobacco legislation, aimed at prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to individuals 14 years old and younger, a plan that had been put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer suggested he might extend prohibitions to include smoking at outdoor venues as well, aiming to decrease the number of deaths that are preventable and associated with tobacco consumption.

When questioned on the concerns that this decision could be detrimental to businesses, Ms. Powell responded, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We stand behind it fully. It plays a crucial role in our local communities, our main streets, and our overall economy."

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

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SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has described the proposed smoking ban as a diversion tactic to shift attention away from Labour's bleak austerity narrative.

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She mentioned that there has been a broad agreement for quite some time on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, highlighting that the potential health and economic advantages would be significant.

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

Health advocates have hailed the new proposals, but representatives from the hospitality industry caution that these could deal a devastating blow to businesses already reeling from the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sir Keir mentioned that the prohibition might cover beer gardens, al fresco dining areas, outdoor sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain smaller parks.

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of industry group UKHospitality, expressed concerns that this could lead to substantial economic damage for hospitality locations. She noted that these venues have made considerable investments in outdoor areas and are still dealing with financial hardships.

Michael Kill, the chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concern, stating: "This prompts a crucial inquiry: Are we verging on turning into a nanny state? What comes after this?"

"Although these actions are likely motivated by concerns for public health, they could potentially polarize views and place additional regulatory demands on companies that are already dealing with significant difficulties."

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

"However, we had no intention of preventing 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 outdoors were prohibited."

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 plans, yet emphasizes the necessity for designated outdoor smoking areas to deter smokers from lighting up inside.

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