Lucy Powell stated on News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that Labour aims to establish a “smoke-free country” and that any steps taken to that end will be “in consultation” with any potential affected businesses.
Prior to the election, the incoming government had already promised to revive Rishi Sunak’s landmark smoking bill, which would have prohibited anyone under the age of 14 from ever purchasing cigarettes.
Nonetheless, in an effort to lower the amount of avoidable fatalities associated with tobacco use, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated this week that he could go much beyond and outlaw smoking in outdoor settings.
Ms. Powell responded, “We’re certainly not attacking the hospitality industry,” in response to complaints that this decision could “kill business”. We are in favor of the hotel sector. It’s essential to our high streets, neighborhoods, and economy.
I won’t predict what will or won’t be included in a future piece of legislation, but I will say that any efforts to expand some of these smoking-related concerns will be made after consulting extensively with the hotel industry.
