London bar changes smoking policy after ballot

A London bar has changed its smoking policy following the results of a ballot of customers and staff.

The survey, called PUBS (Pub Users' Ballot on Smoking), was carried out at A Bar2Far in Tooting, owned by Ascot Inns. The ballot showed that two-thirds of customers would visit more frequently if there were smoking restrictions in the previously smoking pub.

Vincent Healy, managing director of Ascot Inns, said: "Our staff suggested introducing a bar ban, so within two weeks of the survey we had banned smoking there.

"We also created a non-smoking section in response to customer demand. Doing nothing is not the answer, but neither is an outright ban. We need to make progress now to provide more choice for non-smoking customers."

The change in smoking policy has been popular with customers and staff.

Steve Murphy, the manager of A Bar2Far, said: "We're really happy with the bar ban and it makes the bar a much better, and less smoky, place to work. Giving people more choice, like we have, can only be a good thing."

Oliver Griffiths, spokesman of Atmosphere Improves Results (AIR), said: "Opinion is moving on and the days of the smoky pub are numbered. PUBS gives licensees a tool to rethink their policy and take their staff and customers with them - improving conditions for everyone."

PUBS is now being rolled out across the country. The free packs are provided by the AIR and for larger venues staff can be provided to run the ballot.

AIR is planning to distribute approximately 75,000 ballot papers to pubs around the country from the beginning of June.

If you'd like any more information on PUBS packs contact AIR on 020 7482 0620 or at enquiries@airinitiative.com.