Support growing for smoking ban
Strict measures to ban smoking in food-led pubs and restaurants could be added to the government's Licensing Bill.
Public support for a complete ban on smoking where food is served is growing after more than 100 MPs voted for MP Gareth Thomas's bill to stop smokers lighting up in restaurants.
And now the strict measures proposed in the bill could be included as an amendment to the Licensing Bill.
On the last day of parliamentary business before the Easter recess, 115 MPs voted for Mr Thomas's Smoking (Restaurants) Bill, with just 43 voting against.
Despite the overwhelming support for the bill, which is to have its second reading on July 11, opponents were optimistic it would be unlikely to become law because of lack of Parliamentary time.
Now, according to Parliamentary insiders, Mr Thomas is proposing to use his bill as an amendment to the licensing bill, and is rumoured to have the backing of Culture minister Tessa Jowell.
This means that it could become law earlier than originally thought.
Mr Thomas's bill proposed to ban smoking in restaurants and anywhere food is served, including pubs, because of the dangers of passive smoking.
The issue of smoking in pubs is one guaranteed to raise temperatures. According to The Publican's Market Report 2002, a survey of 750 licensees, publicans believe their trade would drop by 39 per cent if smoking is banned.
Instead the industry supports self-regulation through the Public Places Charter which encourages the use of ventilation, signage and non-smoking areas.
ThePublican.com's report on Mr Thomas's bill attracted many comments from licensees and interested parties, both for and against a smoking ban.
One licensee wrote: "My own view is smokers are bonkers, but that is their choice, yours is not to go to a pub or restaurant that allows smoking."
"We have complied with the Smoking Charter and in our restaurant self-regulate the areas for smoking and non smoking," wrote the licensee of a village pub. "This has been very effective and all our customers appreciate our stance on smoking."
But public support for a ban appears to be growing. A recent poll by MORI revealed that 53 per cent of all Britons - and 23 per cent of smokers - back a smoking ban where food is served.
Many food-led pubs already choose to have non-smoking dining areas and food pub chain Brewers Fayre recently opened its third wholly non-smoking outlet.
The smoke-free Brewers Fayre pubs, one of which has been open for two years, are said to be trading well and owner Whitbread intends to roll-out more smoke-free pubs in the future.
Related articles:
Smoking ban could be in new bill (24 April 2003)
MP bids to ban smoking in venues that sell food (17 April 2003)
