Survey reveals trade's top fears

Related tags Licensees Disability Dda

Over three-quarters of licensees see smoking legislation as the biggest concern for their businesses over the coming year, according to new research...

Over three-quarters of licensees see smoking legislation as the biggest concern for their businesses over the coming year, according to new research from Sky.

The annual Preview/Pub Channel survey of 1,600 licensees revealed that 35 per cent are "very concerned" about the possible impact a ban on smoking could have on their businesses, while 45 per cent are "slightly concerned".

Tenants and lessees are the most anxious about any new laws.

Nick Bish, of the industry's Charter Group, said: "Licensees are right to be worried. A head of steam is building on this issue and that's why the Smoking Charter is so important. Continued self-regulation is our best weapon for pre-empting legislation."

Nearly three-quarters of licensees are worried about licensing control moving to local authorities.

Economic slowdown, crime, longer opening hours, staff retention and terrorism were all ranked as important issues in the survey.

But surprisingly only nine per cent of licensees are very concerned about the impact the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) will have on their businesses.

The DDA aims to eliminate the discrimination many disabled people face.

Businesses will be required to make "reasonable adjustments" by October 2004 to ensure their premises are accessible to disabled people, or face prosecution.

The Red Tape Group, which has been monitoring legislation since Labour came back into power, revealed that 2002 was the worst year for red tape with 44 pieces of legislation introduced that affect pubs.

The Red Tape Campaign, which has the backing of The Publican, has launched a petition to get the views of licensees.

To sign, click here.

Licensees' top five concerns