Charter Group calls for industry to work together to avoid ban

The Charter Group has called on the hospitality industry to work closer together or risk a smoking ban.

The calls come as more pressure for an all-out ban was put forward this week following the publication of two new pieces of research.

A survey of 2,000 people by pressure group SmokeFree London said that 88 per cent of those asked, including 91 per cent of non-smokers, want legislation to regulate workplace smoking.

Also, research carried out by YouGov for The Daily Telegraph revealed that 83 per cent of people supported a ban in restaurants. This dropped to 49 per cent when it came to a smoking ban in pubs.

The Charter Group, which promotes the use of signage, good ventilation and no-smoking areas where possible, says that the industry needs to plot its next move.

Nick Bish, chairman of the Charter Group, said: "We have established the fact that the trade supports the Charter. Now we need to discuss how to address good practice and to talk about the effectiveness of ventilation and whether no smoking at the bar should be introduced.

"I have been all around the country talking to the industry on the issues and I want people's feedback.

"The government is under heavy pressure from the anti-smoking lobby and health experts. This is why members of the government criticise us for not delivering quickly enough."

But Judith Watt, a spokesman for SmokeFree London, said: "Real inroads into ensuring clean air for all staff working in restaurants, bars and other workplaces can only come through legislation."

Last month all 13 Royal colleges of medicine sent a letter to The Times demanding legislation to ban smoking in public places.

And Anthony King, professor of government at Essex University, wrote in The Daily Telegraph: "Substantial majorities of smokers favour a law that would ban smoking where there was a clear risk it could damage the health and well-being of others.

"The government that seeks to ban smoking in British pubs will be a brave government indeed."