Labour’s Lucy Powell Defends Outdoor Smoking Ban as Not Harmful to Hospitality Industry
The government is “not attacking the hospitality industry” with proposed plans to ban smoking in pub gardens, a cabinet minister has insisted. Lucy Powell told Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that Labour wants to create a “smoke-free country” and measures to achieve this will be done “in consultation” with businesses that could be affected.
Politics Live: Labour ‘stands by’ national insurance pledge The new government had already pledged to resurrect Rishi Sunak’s flagship smoking bill, which intended to ban anyone aged 14 and under from ever buying cigarettes, but this was shelved before the election. However, this week Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he could go further and also ban smoking in outdoor venues to reduce the number of preventable deaths linked to tobacco use.
Asked about criticism this move could “kill business”, Ms Powell said: “We’re certainly not attacking the hospitality industry. We support the hospitality industry. It’s vital to our communities, our high street, our economy.” I’m not going to pre-empt what is or isn’t going to be in a future piece of legislation, but what I would say is that any such measures to extend some of these issues around smoking will be done in full consultation with hospitality business.”
She added there has been “a consensus for a long time now that we want to see a smoke-free country” and the health and economic benefits “would be huge”. Smoking claims around 80,000 lives a year and estimates suggest it costs the NHS in England about £2.6bn a year.
While health campaigners have welcomed the latest plans, industry leaders in the hospitality sector have warned it could be a final nail in the coffin following the difficulties of the pandemic and cost of living crisis. Sir Keir said the ban could include pub gardens, outdoor restaurants and outside sports venues, hospitals, nightclubs and some small parks.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade body UKHospitality, said this “comes with the prospect of serious economic harm to hospitality venues” that have “all invested significantly in good faith in outdoor spaces and continue to face financial challenges”. Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “This raises the critical question: Are we on the brink of becoming a nanny state? What is next?” While these measures may rightly be driven by public health considerations, they risk dividing opinion and imposing yet another regulatory burden on businesses already facing considerable challenges.
A number of Conservative MPs also spoke out against the plan, despite their own proposals to curb smoking for younger people, with shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins posting on X: “We want to protect our children from taking up smoking and vaping. Our smoke-free generation legislation was designed to do that.” Stopping adults from smoking in the open air, however, was not part of our plans. Labour is putting our hospitality sector at risk in the process. Reform leader Nigel Farage told one newspaper he would “never go to the pub again if outdoor smoking was banned”.
A smoking ban inside of pubs and other enclosed public spaces was brought in by the last Labour government in 2007. It led to a 2.4% reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks and a 12.3% reduction in hospital admissions for childhood asthma within a year, according to Action on Smoking Health (ASH). ASH said they support the government’s proposals, but it is important for people who smoke to have somewhere outside to do so to prevent them from smoking indoors.
Expanding on the Impact of the Outdoor Smoking Ban
The proposed ban on smoking in outdoor venues, including pub gardens and outdoor restaurants, has sparked a heated debate among politicians, industry leaders, and the public. While the government argues that such measures are necessary to reduce the harm caused by tobacco use, opponents raise concerns about the potential economic impact on the hospitality sector.
Labour’s Lucy Powell has defended the ban, emphasizing the importance of creating a smoke-free country to improve public health and reduce the burden on healthcare services. She highlights the significant number of lives lost to smoking-related illnesses each year and the financial cost to the NHS as compelling reasons to take action.
Despite the health benefits of a smoking ban, industry leaders in the hospitality sector express reservations about the proposed measures. Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, warns of the economic harm that could be inflicted on businesses that have already struggled through the challenges of the pandemic and rising costs. Similarly, Michael Kill of the Night Time Industries Association questions whether the ban could be a step towards a “nanny state” mentality, imposing further regulatory burdens on businesses.
The debate over the outdoor smoking ban extends beyond concerns about public health and economic impact. Conservative MPs have voiced opposition to the plan, arguing that it could jeopardize the hospitality sector’s recovery and infringe on personal freedoms. Shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins emphasizes the need to protect children from smoking initiation while questioning the necessity of banning outdoor smoking for adults.
The Impact of Previous Smoking Bans
The success of previous smoking bans, such as the prohibition of smoking in enclosed public spaces introduced in 2007, provides valuable insights into the potential effects of the proposed outdoor smoking ban. Data from Action on Smoking Health (ASH) indicates that the indoor smoking ban led to a significant reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks and childhood asthma, highlighting the positive impact of such measures on public health.
While the health benefits of smoking bans are well-documented, the potential economic consequences of extending these restrictions to outdoor venues raise concerns among industry stakeholders. The investment made by hospitality businesses in creating outdoor spaces for patrons to enjoy has been significant, and any additional restrictions could further strain their financial viability.
The Role of Consultation in Policy Development
Labour’s commitment to consulting with businesses affected by the proposed smoking ban is a crucial aspect of policy development. By engaging with industry leaders and stakeholders, the government can gain valuable insights into the potential impact of the ban and work towards finding solutions that balance public health objectives with the needs of the hospitality sector.
Consultation also allows for a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of all parties are taken into account. This collaborative approach can lead to the development of more effective and sustainable policies that address the complex challenges posed by smoking and tobacco use.
Moving Forward: Finding a Balance Between Health and Economy
As the government considers implementing the outdoor smoking ban, it must carefully weigh the potential benefits for public health against the economic implications for the hospitality sector. Balancing the need to reduce smoking-related harm with the need to support businesses recovering from the impact of the pandemic is essential for creating effective and sustainable policies.
By engaging in meaningful consultation with industry stakeholders, policymakers can develop solutions that mitigate the potential negative effects of the smoking ban while promoting the health and well-being of the population. Finding a balance between health objectives and economic considerations is crucial for achieving long-term success in tobacco control efforts.
In Conclusion
The debate over the proposed outdoor smoking ban highlights the complex interplay between public health, economic interests, and personal freedoms. While the government aims to create a smoke-free country to improve public health outcomes, industry leaders and politicians raise valid concerns about the impact on businesses and individual rights.
By engaging in constructive dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders, policymakers can develop solutions that address the multifaceted challenges posed by tobacco use. Finding a balance between promoting public health and supporting economic recovery is essential for creating policies that benefit the population as a whole.
As the government moves forward with its plans to ban smoking in outdoor venues, it must consider the diverse perspectives and interests at play to ensure that the policy is effective, sustainable, and inclusive. By working collaboratively with industry leaders, health experts, and the public, policymakers can develop measures that strike the right balance between protecting public health and supporting economic growth.
