Labour confirms U-turn on proposed ban on smoking and vaping in pub gardens
The health secretary has announced that the suggested prohibition on vaping and smoking in pub gardens will not be implemented.
Wes Streeting announced that the Labour government would not move forward with the proposal that was suggested during the summer, which sparked a backlash from the hospitality sector.
In August, Sir Keir Starmer announced that his administration was looking into the possibility of prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas. This move aims to reduce the 80,000 preventable deaths linked to smoking in the UK annually.
The prohibition would have included smoking in open-air dining areas, at outdoor sports facilities, hospitals, nightclubs, and certain smaller parks.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, Mr. Streeting acknowledged the change in direction, stating, "We will not be moving forward with or suggesting a ban on smoking in outdoor hospitality."
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He mentioned that the policy concept emerged from government discussions during the summer, sparking an important conversation about whether it would be reasonable. This debate considered both the potential health benefits for the public and the possible negative consequences.
"I believe that many are aware that the UK's hospitality industry has faced significant challenges in recent years," he continued.
"We don’t want to increase their stress, so we’ve decided not to implement a ban on outdoor hospitality right now."
Mr. Streeting mentioned that the smoking prohibition would be broadened to include certain outdoor areas such as schools, hospitals, and playgrounds for children.
Today, the government has unveiled an innovative bill designed to establish the first-ever smoke-free generation.
The Tobacco and Vapes legislation, initially proposed by Rishi Sunak but set aside because of the upcoming general election, will make it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, to purchase tobacco products.
The prohibition will gradually increase the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes in England by one year each year, until it encompasses the entire population.
The initiative aimed at establishing a "smoke-free generation" was viewed as a significant aspect of Mr. Sunak's time in office and sparked debate among Conservative Party members, especially those who hold more libertarian views.
The legislation will impose restrictions on how vapes can be sold and advertised to minors. In addition, there will be a separate environmental law aimed at prohibiting the sale and distribution of disposable vapes by next summer.
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The health secretary mentioned that reducing the problem of youth vaping through licensing, stricter regulations, and prohibiting the advertising of vapes to children and young people was, fortunately, an issue that received widespread agreement across different political parties.
"I originally suggested implementing a generational ban for kids when I served as the shadow health secretary," he mentioned.
I was both thrilled and surprised when Rishi Sunak assumed the roles of Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party.
"I am optimistic that there will be backing from all parties for the new leader of the Conservative Party, but we will see how it plays out in the next few weeks."
