BII members call for smoking signage to be axed

The challenge, launched by the Government last May, asked licensees to submit their views on the regulations that affect the food, drink and hospitality sector.

The Government said it planned to scrap or simplify 60 regulations that apply to the sector after close to 600 responses were received.

The BII was invited to take part in the consultation surrounding de-regulation of the Smoke-Free (Signs) Regulations 2007 and asked to gauge members’ opinions on key issues, including the costs and implications of removing or changing requirements on signs in the future.

Two-thirds of respondents to the BII’s survey, which was completed by 400 members earlier this month, said the signs should be removed.

Of those surveyed, 65% said they were confident removal of the ‘smoke-free’ signage, which has been a legal requirement in England and Wales since 1 July, 2007, would not cause confusion among staff or the public.
One respondent said:  “The law is in place and understood, so signage is not required.

We don’t have signs telling staff not to drink or customers not to commit other crimes. It was necessary on the inception of the ban, but it’s not now.”

Almost a third (32%) supported plans for displaying the signs in certain areas, such as the entrances, toilets, and to direct customers to smoking areas.  

“This survey has given us a good insight into our members’ views on smoke-free signage and its implications, and we will be formulating our response to the Government based on these results.

“While the majority believe that, five years into the ban, the signs are no longer needed, a more flexible approach on signs, including where to locate them, wording and style, would also be appreciated,” said BII chief executive Peter Thomas.