noN-smoking pubs now on

the increase by Claire Hu The licensed trade Charter Group has launched its widest industry consultation on the issue of smoking in pubs in response to mounting fears that a blanket ban could be introduced. The consultation comes as pub companies around the country respond to the growing threat of legislation by increasing the number of non-smoking outlets. Laurel has revealed it is creating five more non-smoking pubs after the success of a ban at the Ring O'Bells in West Kirby, which has doubled its takings, and is also making improved ventilation a condition of future refurbishments. The company estimates that up to 20% of its pubs may end up smoke-free. Wolverhampton and Dudley has also started non-smoking trials in four food-led pubs, and may extend the policy if successful. The Charter Group, which campaigns for self-regulation, has sent questionnaires to all pub groups to understand their ambitions, constraints and set policy for the future. The group is seeking a meeting with Minister for Public Health Melanie Johnson, in order to agree how the issue should be tackled. Chairman Nick Bish said: "We are at a critical stage on this issue and the industry's concern about it can be seen in the very rapid response we've had from many companies to this consultation. We are concerned to make sure that the entire industry is involved." The consultation covers issues including the provision of no-smoking areas, employee protection, ventilation, and what self-regulation measures are thought to be realistic. Bish said: "I think that we all recognise that with changing customer tastes and the litigation culture we are going to have to do even more in the future. The question now is what will be the best framework to deliver further changes that strengthen rather than damage our industry." The move comes after a poor response by the Government to the Charter Group's survey showing that 63% of outlets were complying with the charter, and after calls by Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson, for Britain to follow New York's lead and ban smoking in public. Laurel chief executive Ian Payne estimated that 18% to 20% of his company's outlets could end up smoke-free on a voluntary basis. He said: "I think the time has come for non-smoking pubs, but it has to be on a voluntary basis and supported by the managers. A blanket ban would be a disaster. As an industry we have to be seen to be doing something, or we may get what we deserve." A spokesman for Mitchells & Butlers, which has a no-smoking policy at the bar in its Ember Inns, Toby Carvery, Vintage Inns and Harvester chains, said: "We are considering moving gradually to no-smoking at the bar as the norm." Tim Martin, chairman of Wetherspoon's, said the company would continue with its policy of no smoking around the bar area and ventilation. "I think there is serious risk of a total ban and the earlier it comes, the worse for the trade," he said. "It's very important the trade puts forward alternatives that are in keeping with the views of their customers. Publicans have to put in a high standard of ventilation ­ it's going to be the cost of staying in business in the next 10 years. Companies need to look at £10,000 ­ £15,000 a pub." Stubbing it out l Laurel increases the number of non-smoking pubs to six, and estimates 18% to 20% of its outlets may follow the same route. l Wolverhampton and Dudley begins non-smoking trial in four food-led pubs. l Mitchells & Butlers plans gradual move to no smoking at the bar across all its outlets. l Wetherspoon's Tim Martin warns pubs need to set aside £10,000 to £15,000 for better ventilation if they want to stay in business.