Trade associations call for clarity over smoking ban

Trade associations are calling for clarity over the smoking ban which is due to come into force on July 1, 2006.

In particular they are concerned about the lack of guidelines and planning regulations. The guidelines for the ban, contained within the Health Bill, are expected to cover issues such as the definition of an enclosed area, signage required and enforcement.

The BII is calling for the regulations to be published as early as possible. In a statement the BII said: "The licensed trade now has a date to work towards, however this is only one part of the jigsaw. We need to have the guidance and regulations as soon as possible to ensure that licensees are in possession of all the information to plan for the implementation date of July 1 2007.

"We hope that the government will learn from the negative impact of late publication of the guidance for the Licensing Act 2003."

Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: "We are perplexed that the government has announced the start-date without confirming what the licensed trade must do to comply.

"Over a third of pub customers are smokers and this rises to 46 per cent in community pubs. The ban is an opportunity for us to improve our external facilities. But to take advantage of this, operators need clear, unambiguous and above all workable rules published well in advance of the ban's implementation to allow them to make the necessary changes to their business to accommodate smokers. To pick a date even before final regulations are published flies in the face of this."

Business In Sport and Leisure has expressed concern about the lack of a move from the Department for Communities and Local Government to provide any guidance to local authority planning departments on fast track planning for outside structures.