Opinion: Smoke ban won't have long-term impact
And so now we know: smoking is to be banned in pubs and clubs from 2007.
A few years ago this would have seemed unthinkable. Hard on the heels of the painstaking licensing reform and the scrutiny of responsible retailing - not to mention Disability Discrimination Act 2004 - for many, this will seem like the final nail in the coffin.
Understandably, there will be attempts to delay the implementation of the new regulation, to persuade politicians to slow the rate of change, to give everyone a breather.
And yet, before this debate is over, the next is fast upon us, namely the control of alcohol: and the extremist World Health Organisation agenda to turn alcohol and the way we sell it, into the new tobacco. This is despite overwhelming medical evidence that alcohol in moderation has beneficial effects on health and general wellbeing. And after that, who knows?
Whether you are a global alcohol producer or sole trader, everyone in this industry must remain flexible and responsive to change.
But it is not politicians that we should look to for our lead, but rather, tomorrow's consumers. Indeed in my judgement, politicians tend to legislate after the event. Their decisions merely accelerate an inevitable consumer trend.
Take smoking. Consumer attitudes towards smoking have moved markedly in recent years and will continue to change. Indeed, many licensees and bar staff now prefer to work in a smoke-free environment. The challenge surely is to provide the best possible facilities for smokers outside. A dripping umbrella or characterless shelter will not suffice. You need to build an environment with design flair, warmth, ambience and with "craic". The challenge is to attract smokers to your pub not to repel them.
I am told "smirtin" (smoking and flirting) is the now the new craze in Ireland.
My greatest concern is less the principle of having outside smoking but rather that local politicians will impede the process with slow decision making, "gold-plated" regulations and short-sighted measures, such as high-cost pavement licences.
But with change there is always opportunity.
A smoking ban is an opportunity to attract new customers and new recruits. The new licensing regime affords far more potential for function trade and parties. There are also more opportunities for live music under the new regime.
Is the pub and pub culture going to disappear after this "final nail in the coffin"? No. It has withstood massive social change, particularly with the growth in-home entertainment in the last 50 years and will continue to adapt.
Are pubs going to be seen again as the home of responsible retailing, as an important centre of local and community life and as a key part of the social fabric of the country? In my view, yes. But not yet.
The trade leaders need to present a bright and clear vision of the future for the industry that will meet tomorrow's consumers' needs.
We should persuade politicians that they are the obstacle to progress rather than the engine of change. In this way, change may take place on our terms. Ultimately, consumers will decide. Listen to them.
