Trade leaders claim the decision to ban smoking in Scottish pubs will not have an impact on the rest of the UK.
The Scottish Executive has agreed a ban in all enclosed public spaces, despite pressure from the trade to adopt a compromise, and it is expected that it could be law by spring 2006.
But the dialogue between trade bodies and the government south of the border has left many confident there will not be a knee-jerk reaction to the Scottish decision.
"The decision is disappointing for Scotland as the industry offered a workable solution to dramatically increase smoke-free environments but this has been ignored," said Mark Hastings, director of communications for the British Beer & Pub Association.
"It is a clear demonstration that politicians there are out of touch. But the government in Scotland is different to the rest of the UK. The health secretary John Reid has made it clear that he doesn't favour a ban."
Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, was in agreement and still has confidence in the UK government.
"Bearing in mind there will probably be a general election next year, I don't believe an all-out ban is the road the government wants to go down," he said. "I believe it will introduce a ban covering food pubs and pubs with children's areas, but there will be exceptions."
Tony Payne, chief executive Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, added: "I don't think the decision will influence our government, but licensees here want reassurance so they can go ahead with plans to protect non-smokers."
In Scotland, trade leaders have not been surprised by the decision to ban smoking in pubs.
Scottish Licensed Trade Association chief executive Paul Waterson supported the views from England, but stressed that personnel were key to the process. "John Reid could be moved at any time and the position he holds is crucial," he said. "In Ireland and Scotland we've had zealots in that role. Mr Reid is prepared to look at the facts and we haven't had the benefit of that, but if he goes I can see England and Wales following."
Announcing the ban, First Minister Jack McConnell said it would "save lives" and "transform national health". He claimed the Scottish Executive would work with those in the trade who are concerned about losing business rather than simply imposing a ban.
But the Scottish trade remains convinced it will suffer.
Stuart Ross, chief executive at Belhaven, said the trade would fight the upcoming legislation. "Although the trade has worked hard and in the best interests of the publicans, staff and the general public, our views have not been taken into consideration, in fact they've been ignored," said Mr Ross.
Licensees react to the ban:
- Wendy Robertson, licensee at Scott's Bar in Langstracht, Aberdeenshire: "I'm a local pub on a council estate and this is going to seriously damage my business. I recently ran a survey in the pub which revealed that only one customer and one member of staff didn't smoke and neither objected to those who did. I'd go so far as to say this will threaten my livelihood."
Maggie Robertson, licensee at the Crofter Bar, Fort William, Invernessshire: "This will have a very bad effect on my business. I have a small bar and rely on the trade from the 90 per cent of drinkers who come in and smoke. These people won't be coming in as much now. The government has not been sympathetic to us."
Maidy George, licensee at The Half Moon in Perth, Perthshire: "It's ridiculous, this is my pub I should be able to say who can or can't smoke. This is going to have a huge impact on my takings. The majority of my drinkers smoke, and I can't see them sitting outside in the winter, they'll simply smoke at home."
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Scotland to ban smoking in pubs (10 November 2004