Sense at last on smoking
On the future of food in pubs, We are on the verge of some exciting times in the trade
Andrew Pring, Editor
As we wrote in last week's MA, Government is poised to scrap its manifesto pledge on smoking restrictions (a ban, except in wet pubs) and move for a total ban in the next few weeks. What we didn't anticipate in this ever-twisting story was the weekend's last-minute suggestion that designated smoking rooms might be allowed as part of the new smoking regulations.
Whether it's a result of sensitivity to being accused of breaking yet another promise, or more likely, fear of further accusations of nannying, this latest development in Government thinking is its most sensible yet - and holds out tantalising hope for thousands of licensees that their livelihoods may yet survive the post-ban era.
By allowing enclosed smoking rooms, the politicians are certainly discouraging smoking - we all remember the awful yellowness of the smoking compartment on trains a few years ago, which must have deterred any but the most hardened nicotine fiend. Yet they are also allowing a pub the chance to hang on to some of its best customers.
That said, the pub that does go down this route - if indeed such a route is to be offered - will probably find that people using the 'smoking carriages' fall away quite quickly. That's because the overall effect of the ban will put real social pressure on smokers and many will find it helpful in forsaking the weed. Smokers will notice the way the world is moving - and the majority's view that smoking is an unpleasant vice will encourage even many hardened smokers to quit.
That's great for the pubs gearing themselves up for the next stage of the food revolution. As bosses like Rupert Clevely and Peter Linacre state in this week's issue (p36), there are still great opportunities to be exploited by attracting in hungry as well as thirsty customers.
This is where the future of the pub lies. And the new licensing hours will help advance that future, as dramatically as smoking bans. You just have to look at what W&D and Spirit are planning with table service to realise we are on the verge of some very exciting times in the trade. So let's all pray for that, rather than silly political ploys to derail the new laws.
