Trade worry at lack of smoke guidance
Several trade bodies have hit out at the Government's decision to announce the smoking ban start date without publishing guidance on the regulations.
The Bar Entertainment and Dance Association (BEDA) called "once again" for the Government to publish regulations immediately to allow operators to "actually prepare their businesses for the ban".
BEDA Chairman, Paul Kinsey said: "I find it hard to believe that the Government has taken so long to announce the date for the smoking ban - since July 1st has been widely speculated on for some months - and then fail to publish the regulations too."
BISL supports the smoking ban, but measures to help the industry cope with the ban are vital if local pubs and bars are not to closeBrigid Simmonds, BISL chief executive.
Business In Sport and Leisure expressed "huge concern" about the lack of support from the Department for Communities and Local Government to provide any guidance to local authority planning departments on fast track planning for outside structures.
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive said: "Today BISL held our Annual Conference where we expressed real concern that a letter written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (The Rt. Hon Ruth Kelly MP) on 7th October had received no reply and indeed officials had refused to meet with representatives of the industry to discuss planning guidance to local authorities."
Simmonds added: "The department has not replied to our letter and made it clear that helping other Government departments who introduce new policy is not their responsibility.
"So much for the much vaunted 'Joined Up' Government so often espoused by the Prime Minister.
"The smoking ban will create a "J" curve, where sales drop rapidly initially, but hopefully will come back over time. In this initial period small and medium sized businesses will be affected and may have to close.
"Bingo has been particularly affected in Scotland where sales are 25% down and seven clubs have already closed."
BISL urged the Government to respond to their request for support.
"The issue is compounded," said Simmonds "because there are major local Government elections next year which is likely to mean that many planning departments are unable to make decisions which involved councillors from March 2007. Planning applications are not quick. We have very little time to make applications and there is a real need for Government Support. The sport, leisure and hospitality industry is worth £74 billion to the UK economy.
"BISL supports the smoking ban, but measures to help the industry cope with the ban are vital if local pubs, restaurants, holiday parks, attractions, café's and bars are not to close."
