Allow Freedom2Choose says new anti smoke-ban group

by John Harrington Licensees and others who rely on pubs for their livelihood are hitting back at plans for a smoking ban with a new national campaign. The Freedom2Choose group, the brainchild of cigarette vending machine operator Rod Bullough, hopes to persuade the Government to seek alternatives to an "undemocratic" ban that they say will devastate the trade. The campaign comes after trade leaders and pub operators held a meeting at which it is understood that plans for a new proposal on self-regulation were discussed. Meanwhile, trade experts fear that a smoking ban in Scotland looks increasinglylikely after First Minister Jack McConnell called a ban "workable", following a fact-finding visit to Dublin. Freedom2Choose wants a compromise approach, echoing the views of the industry's Charter Group, with pubs installing good ventilation systems, having more effective and clearly defined no-smoking areas, and a no-smoking policy at the bar. The campaign was launched yesterday (Wednesday) at eight pubs and hotels across the UK. The aim is to distribute posters and beer mats to 40,000 pubs, asking customers to sign a petition opposing the ban, which will then be presented to Tony Blair. Freedom2Choose points to evidence that more than nine out of 10 non-smokers oppose a ban. Bullough said: "If customers want to smoke in certain areas of a pub, they should be allowed to without the powers that be telling them what's good for them. There are more reasonable alternatives that benefit everyone." The campaign has the backing of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, which last week met senior people from pub companies and the British Beer & Pub Association. It is believed that they discussednew proposals for self-regulation that can be put tothe Government. In Scotland, McConnell had told the BBC: "I'm closer now to thinking an all-out ban is workable." His comments ­ coming before the end of the consultation process into a possible ban ­ met with a frosty reception from trade experts. The Scottish Executive made it clear that McConnell was not outlining official policy, but experts believe that with his backing, a ban could become a reality within 18 months. Scottish Licensed Trade Association chief executive Paul Waterson said: "This is meant to be one of the most open and inclusive consultations everheld in Scotland and it's hard to believe McConnell is making these kind of comments in favour of a ban before it's finished." Health group publishes guide to smoke-free outlets A guide listing pubs and other venues that are deemed to offer a good smoke-free environment for diners has been complied by a local health authority. The document, from the Bath & North East Somerset Primary Care Trust, lists three categories of venue: completely smoke-free; a smoke-free area in a part of the building separated by a door; and an effective smoke-free section in the same building. Of the 147 venues featured, 75 are pubs. This includes the region's only smoke-free pub, the Crystal Palace in Bath, plus 22 venues that have a smoke-free section. Sarah Button, smoke-free public places advisor for the trust, said: "This guide is designed to help people who don't want their health affected or who simply do not want to be irritated by other people's smoke." The guide is being sent to tourist information points, libraries, health centres and council offices from this week. Spirit earmarks 360 Spirit Group has identified up to 360 pubs from its 2,400-strong estate that could become no-smoking. Chief executive Karen Jones said: "We have put trials in place but there is no timescale. We believe we need to move quite strongly on this issue." Jones said an audit of the entire estate had revealed that 33% of its pubs already operate ano-smoking policy at the bar and that 55% of dining areas are smoke-free. Spirit currently has three no-smoking venues.