Northern Ireland smoke ban leaves England vulnerable

Pressure on the government to announce a full smoking ban in England is reaching fever pitch after Northern Ireland became the latest country to opt for blanket action.

As of April 2007, smoking will be outlawed in all pubs, workplaces and other public places in Northern Ireland, health minister Shaun Woodward announced on Monday.

The move has left England looking increasingly isolated regarding smoking. Scotland will introduce a ban next March, while the Welsh Assembly is continuing to push for the power to introduce its own ban. Smoking was banned in the Republic of Ireland in March 2004.

Labour's health bill, which will include details of a ban, is now due "late in the autumn", the Department of the Health told The Publican last week.

Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: "This does increase the pressure on Patricia Hewitt. But the decision was not properly consulted on in Northern Ireland, whereas here there will have to be a full debate in Parliament."

But the ban's announcement has drawn condemnation from the trade.

The Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade (FRLT) North-ern Ireland said it was "extremely disappointed" and warned that the ban could lead to a drop in sales from which some licensees would never recover.

High levels of job losses across the country's hospitality industry - which employs around 28,000 people - have been predicted.

Nicola Carruthers, chief executive of the FRLT, said: "Survey after survey has shown that staff and pub-goers want improvements in the air quality in pubs.

But they want to see compromise and the introduction of no-smoking areas and modern ventilation, rather than a blanket ban.

"The practical realities of introducing a complete ban have not been considered."

It is believed the government rejected a proposal for a partial ban following advice that it could face a legal challenge from pub staff left exposed to passive smoking.

However, anti-smoking group Action on Smoking and Health has welcomed the decision.

Director Deborah Arnott commented: "Shaun Woodward's excellent decision will lead to the most important advance for public health in Northern Ireland for 30 years."