Smoke group calls for pub tax break

Smokers' lobby group Forest has called on the government to offer tax breaks to pubs to help them erect smoking shelters.

Forest makes the point in its submission to the Department of Health's smoking ban consultation which ends today.

"Forcing smokers outside and denying them any comfort or shelter would be a real kick in the teeth,"​ said Forest director Simon Clark.

"Some people may jump at the chance to give up smoking, but many more will resent being treated like lepers.​

"Tax breaks for smoking shelters would not only suggest some level of compassion towards smokers, a quarter of the adult population, but it would be also be good for pubs and restaurants who might otherwise lose business if smokers choose either to stay at home or spend less time on the premises."

Clark added: "Encouraging people to smoke in an attractive, well-built shelter that can hold a reasonable number of people in comfort is much better than having groups of people hanging around outside.​

Encouraging people to smoke in an attractive, well-built shelter is much better than having groups of people hanging around outside​Forest director Simon Clark.

"It looks better and it's far easier to control cigarette litter which is bound to increase when smokers are forced outside."

In its submission, Forest also called on the government to encourage local authorities to deal quickly and sensibly with applications for outdoor smoking areas, especially those with awnings, fixed roofs and outdoor heaters.

"To achieve this,"​ said Clark, "we need planning regulations that are simple, concise, and interpreted consistently by all local authorities."​

Forest also called for a major public awareness campaign and a sunset clause for the signage regulations.

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