Market Report 2002: Smoke charter to meet target

The trade is in line to smash the smoking charter compliance target agreed with the government, with the latest research showing 64 per cent of...

The trade is in line to smash the smoking charter compliance target agreed with the government, with the latest research showing 64 per cent of licensees have already signed up.

The figures, from The Publican's Market Report 2002, reveal that the number who are complying has almost doubled since last year's report from 34 per cent. Based on these statistics, the industry is well ahead of the 50 per cent target for 2003 agreed with the government.

The charter recommends the use of signage, with no-smoking areas and ventilation where possible.

The report also revealed that more licensees than ever know about the charter, with 84 per cent aware of its existence compared to 69 per cent last year.

Oliver Griffiths, from the Atmosphere Improves Results initiative, said he was now confident the target would be met, although he added that there are some areas of the country which are still below the threshold.

He said: "We are confident that at the end of the year the whole country will be comfortably up over the 50 per cent limit."

Nick Bish, spokesman for the trade's Charter Group, welcomed the survey but added that more work was still needed to grow compliance and encourage best practice.

He said: "The raw data is encouraging. It is a move in the right direction but there is still a long way to go. We need to encourage licensees to encourage their neighbours to sign up."

The positive news came as the mayor of New York called for a complete ban on smoking in every bar and restaurant in the city. Michael Bloomberg says the move is necessary to protect workers from passive smoking.

Licensees in the UK have been warned that a similar ban may be considered over here if self-regulation is unsuccessful.

The Market Report also showed that managed houses were lagging behind with charter compliance.

Mr Griffiths said: "It is completely true of the managed groups where there is an issue with city centre bars who are unwilling to put up signage."

Meanwhile, Mr Bish argued that a lot of managed groups prefer to offer separate smoking areas and increased ventilation rather than signing up to the smoking throughout options. Therefore, they could be waiting until refurbishment time to sign up.

Get your copy of this year's Market Report - the most comprehensive survey of the UK pub trade.

Can you afford to miss it?

Related topics Legislation

Property of the week

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more