Partial smoking ban is 'unworkable' say MPs

MPs have slammed the Government's proposals to exclude drink-only and private members' clubs from a smoking ban as 'unfair, unjust, inefficient and unworkable'.

The pressure on the Government to opt for a total ban intensified over the festive break with the publication of the Health Select Committee report on smoking in public places. In addition, a poll by anti-smoking groups Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Cancer Research showed that 66% of the English public support a smoking ban in all pubs and bars.

The select committee, made up of cross-party MPs, concluded that a partial ban would create unfair competition, widen health inequalities and is likely to be challenged by bar workers in court. The committee recommended that 'legislation should be clear and simple if it is to be easily enforced'.

Committee chairman and Labour MP Kevin Barron said: 'The Government should be strong enough to take the tough decision to introduce a comprehensive ban which includes all pubs and clubs. Only a total ban will protect the public from the lethal effects of passive smoking and ensure that people can work in an environment which is not dangerous to their health.'

The committee's claim that public opinion 'is actually moving rapidly and decisively towards favouring a comprehensive ban' has been reinforced by Cancer Research and ASH's poll.

ASH director Deborah Arnott claimed the poll was the 'final decisive piece of evidence' ministers needed to abandon the current proposals.

However, the Government is not required to take action and public health minister Caroline Flint maintained the plan to ban smoking in pubs serving food by summer 2007 would allow 'an element of choice for those who do want to smoke with a drink to do so in a way which has minimal impact on other people.'

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish added: 'The committee's report was exactly as we expected. They want a total ban but we don't agree with that.'

The bill is currently at committee stage in the House of Commons. A full report is likely to be tabled this month when suggested amendments will be fully debated. A total of 69 Labour MPs have signed a motion calling for a free vote on the issue.