Smoke debate with

MPs 'in four weeks'

by Tony Halstead

MPs could be debating a proposed pub smoking ban within four weeks, according to 'authoritative sources within Westminster.

The Health Improvement & Protection Bill, which will include proposals to curtail smoking in public places, could be laid before Parliament as early as 24 October.

Speculation is mounting that the Cabinet has ruled out any compromise deal for pubs and opted for an all-out ban in all licensed premises.

Ministers look set to follow Scotland, where an outright ban comes into force on 27 March next year, and also Wales where similar legislation is expected to be announced later this year.

The Department of Health has officially denied that the content of the new bill has been agreed and insists the 24,000 submissions and responses to the Choosing Health White Paper are still being considered.

Rumours that an all-out ban is now looming will lead to intense lobbying of MPs by both sides of the pub smoking argument at the Labour and Conservative party conferences to be held over the coming weeks.

The Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations has teamed up with north-west brewer and pub operator Daniel Thwaites to stage a presentation for MPs when the Conservatives gather for their annual conference at Blackpool at the beginning of next month.

'We will be arguing that pub customers should be given a choice to decide whether they want to visit a smoking or non-smoking establishment, said FLVA chief executive Tony Payne.

Labour MPs will also come under pressure at their party conference in Brighton a week earlier.

If the Government ditches its original proposal to exempt members' clubs from any ban, it is also likely to face fierce opposition from MPs and party members in working mens' clubs heartland areas.

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish said there were soundings from 'authoritative sources that the bill would be published around 10 October with a first reading in Parliament two weeks later.

'Whatever does end up in the bill will be a Cabinet decision, because the issue is one of huge political dimensions, he said.