Smoke-Free Nation: Labour’s Outdoor Smoking Ban Aims to Boost Health and Economy, Not Hurt Hospitality, Says Lucy Powell

Lucy Powell, the leader of Labour in the Commons, has asserted that prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of pubs is not meant to harm the hospitality sector. She argued that a ban could actually promote economic growth and aid the NHS by fostering a smoke-free environment.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Sunday, September 1, 2024, 11:

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A senior government official has asserted that the proposed legislation to prohibit smoking in pub gardens does not constitute an assault on the hospitality sector.

On Sky News' "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," Lucy Powell expressed Labour's intention to establish a "smoke-free country." She emphasized that the implementation of this policy would be conducted "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 individuals who are 14 years old and younger, a proposal that had been put on hold prior to the election.

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he might extend measures to include a ban on smoking at outdoor venues, aiming to decrease the fatalities associated with tobacco use that could be prevented.

When questioned on the claim that this action might devastate commerce, Ms. Powell stated, "We are definitely not targeting the hospitality sector. We are in fact supporters of it. 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 plans to broaden regulations concerning smoking will be thoroughly discussed with stakeholders in the hospitality industry."

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Stephen Flynn, the SNP leader at Westminster, has criticized the proposed smoking ban, labeling it a diversionary tactic by Labour to shift attention away from their bleak austerity policies.

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She mentioned that there has been a longstanding agreement on the goal of achieving a smoke-free nation, emphasizing that the 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 praised the new proposals, but hospitality industry executives caution that these could severely impact their businesses, already weakened by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

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

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Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, warned that this situation threatens severe economic damage to hospitality establishments, noting that these venues have made substantial investments in outdoor areas and are still grappling with financial hurdles.

Michael Kill, the chief of the Night Time Industries Association, posed the question, "Does this mean we're heading toward becoming an overly controlled state? What comes after this?"

"While these actions might be justified by concerns for public health, they could potentially polarize views and add more regulatory constraints to companies 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 smoking and vaping. Our legislation aimed at creating a smoke-free generation was crafted with this purpose in mind."

"However, banning outdoor smoking for adults was never in our agenda. Labour's approach is 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 endorses the government's plans, yet emphasizes the need for designated outdoor areas for smokers to ensure they do not resort to smoking inside.

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