Trade pleads for more time on smoking ban
The pub trade is pleading for more time to bring in the smoking ban after the House of Commons voted for all enclosed public places in England to be smoke-free.
MPs voted by 453 to 125 in favour of a blanket smoking ban, to include private members' clubs, following the Valentine's Day debate.
The move finally consigns the original plans to split the trade with a ban on smoking in food pubs to the dustbin of political history.
But the government is now hoping to introduce its complete ban within the next 18 months - a year earlier than originally suggested.
The Department of Health confirmed to The Publican this week it intended for the ban to be introduced by the summer of 2007, although it added that the legislation could yet be delayed in the House of Lords.
The Health White Paper published in November 2004 had suggested the government would introduce action on smoking in licensed premises by the end of 2008. And the new timescale means many licensees will have little time to get ready for a ban by introducing outside areas and preparing customers.
Mark Hastings, communications director from the British Beer & Pub Association said the organisation would be pushing for an early discussion with the government over the timeframe.
He said: "A critical step is to work with the government on the detail and the timescale. Let's not pretend pubs and jobs are not under threat."
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 suggested.
"We are disappointed that there is not more time for the transition," said Mr Bish. "Operators will probably be relieved that the ban will be straightforward and universal.
"But it is time for the Department for Culture, Media and 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."
John McNamara, BII chief executive, described the ban as "a serious challenge to the licensed trade".
"We now know some of the details of the ban, and although the timescale is not ideal, it is a relief that all licensed premises will be facing this on an equal footing, and that private members' clubs are included," he said.
The trade had lobbied hard for clubs to be included in the ban right up to the vote - and MPs ultimately agreed.
Speaking during the debate, John Grogan, MP for Selby and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: "If we pass an exemption for clubs in this House tonight, it will constitute a St. Valentine's day massacre of many pubs".
