Total smoking ban now likely
Plans for a total ban on smoking in pubs look almost certain after Tony Blair agreed to give MPs a free vote on the issue.
But an amendment tabled in the House of Commons yesterday (Wednesday) could also see plans for private members' clubs to be exempted from the ban swept away.
As a result, pubs and clubs now face going completely smoke-free by the summer of 2007.
Downing Street announced yesterday that MPs would be given a free vote, adding that the Prime Minister had listened to the concerns of MPs on the issue.
It is understood that there is enough opposition from Labour MPs to the current proposals to force a complete ban. The Health Bill returns to the Commons later this month for its third reading.
So far 92 MPs, including 56 from Labour, have signed an early day motion calling for a blanket ban in England.
In addition, the Commons Health Select Committee, which was fiercely critical of the current proposal for a partial ban, has tabled an amendment to the bill calling for an outright ban and for any action to include clubs.
Kevin Barron MP, chairman of the committee, said: "If it is carried, our amendment will greatly strengthen that part of the bill which aims to protect the public from the dangers of second-hand smoke."
Other opposition to a partial ban has come from a joint committee of MPs and peers, suggesting the plans would discriminate against workers in pubs and clubs where smoking is still allowed.
Anti-smoking groups have welcomed Mr Blair's decision to give MPs a free vote.
Action on Smoking and Health director Deborah Arnott said: "We are confident that we can now secure for all workers and members of the public in England the same protection from second-hand smoke that will soon be enjoyed by people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."
But some in the pub trade are refusing to give up hope.
Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "I still don't think a total ban is inevitable and there are still a number of options that may be introduced."
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said he was also refusing to "throw in the towel".
"If a ban comes in, the town centre pubs will be ok, but it's the rural and community pubs that will suffer," he said.
A total smoking ban is to be introduced in Scotland on March 26 this year, with Northern Ireland set to follow in April 2007.
Questions and answers:
- What is a free vote?
A free vote allows MPs to vote against the party line, but is usually only granted for what are seen as issues of conscience, such as the death penalty or hunting with dogs.
If the current proposals collapse and a total ban is agreed, will this affect the timetable for the implementation of the law?
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said at this stage the original timetable remains, with legislation due in summer 2007, even if a complete ban was agreed.
Will private members' clubs still be exempt if MPs vote for the amendment?
No. The amendment states that all licensed premises, including licensed clubs, will be included in a ban.
