BBPA writes to Government for smoke ban clarification.
Rob Hayward, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association has written to the Government seeking clarification over the latest smoke ban stories.
As reported by the Morning Advertiser this morning, Government health spokesman in the Lords, Lord Warner, has caused confusion in the trade by saying the Government had not ruled out the possibility of extending the smoke ban to some outside areas in the future.
After seeing a response from the Department of Health to questions from the Morning Advertiser, Hayward has written to the Health Minsiter Caroline Flint asking for clarification.
His letter reads: "In the light of the extensive media coverage today over the smoking ban provisions in the Health Bill, I am writing for the hospitality sector to seek clarification of the Government's policy.
"While on the face of it, our reading of Lord Warner's comments at Report Stage in the Lords on Monday do not appear to signal a change of policy, the resulting media coverage and the Department's response to it, has left us with some concerns.
"In particular, the Department does not appear to refute suggestions that it is already planning to extend the scope of the ban in a way that could affect the investment decisions of our sector as they prepare for a major change within the industry.
"With regard to smoking shelters, tens of thousands of venues are facing investment decisions and the prospect of implementing these decisions within a very short timescale. Even the possibility of the scope of the (as yet unseen) Regulations being changed to alter the policy with regard to smoking shelters will create uncertainty. In this situation, businesses will be reluctant to prepare and invest.
"This uncertainty shows all too clearly why the sector needs clarity over the Government's policy and the scope of the Regulations. It is also inevitable that uncertainty will continue the longer the Regulations are not published and the date of commencement of the ban not identified."
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The Morning Advertiser shares the BBPA's concerns and is seeking reassurances and regulations from the Government.To add your signature to our petition click here
