BHA membership shows support for smoke-free zones

Nearly one-third of British Hospitality Association (BHA) member hotels surveyed on their attitude to smoking believe the Government should make smoke-free zones mandatory.

The 29% vote in favour of Government action was greeted with surprise by the BHA, which officially favours industry self-regulation.

"Twenty-nine percent is amazingly high. As an industry, we normally like to be left alone," said BHA chief executive Jeremy Logie.

"Although it is a large number, there is a larger number that are saying ‘no thank you' and as an association we believe in freedom to choose. Each business is separate and different and what is right for one particular business may not be right for the one next door."

The survey of nearly 700 hotels revealed that 34% felt the industry should self-regulate and that, in practice, most are already voluntarily restricting smoking.

Half ban smoking in their restaurants. A further 30% have non-smoking areas in their restaurant, bar or lounge.

Almost half offer non-smoking bedrooms, or plan to introduce them in the future. "Most hotels appear to have taken the view that a restriction on smoking is the way forward but, if there is adequate ventilation, non-smoking guests need not be troubled by smoking at all," said Mr Logie.