Industry to push for a fair smoking ban

The pub industry is vowing to push for the smoking ban to be introduced fairly following last night's historic vote in the House of Commons.

MPs voted by 453 to 125 in favour of a blanket smoking ban, to include private members' clubs. The health bill including the legislation will now go to the House of Lords, with the government hoping to be able to introduce the ban from the summer of 2007.

Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers said his members would prefer the action to be introduced "at least 12 months beyond the date being suggested".

"There are people who need to do things with their businesses - and it is only now that we have seen the shape of the bill that they can start," he said. "Operators will probably be relieved that the ban will be straightforward and universal, but it is now time for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport to prove it is the champion of the hospitality industry and prevent licensees' worst fears of this becoming a ghastly reality of lost jobs and livelihoods."

The British Beer & Pub Association said it was pleased that MPs have ensured a level playing field for all, with no exemption for private members' clubs.

But communications director Mark Hastings added: "Now the real hard work begins, preparing our customers and pubs for this cultural shift. There is still the prospect that hundreds of community pubs will close and people will lose their jobs."