Blair to block ban on public smoking

Prime Minister Tony Blair plans to block proposals put forward by the Health & Safety Commission to ban smoking in public places, to ease their impact upon restaurants, pubs and bars.

The Health & Safety Commission, whose code of practice on smoking at work was due for publication next week, has been asked to make last-minute changes in order to ease pressure on the hospitality industry. Government sources said that Downing Street favoured "a more voluntary approach".

The prime minister has told colleagues any step towards a ban in public places would be a severe restriction on people's freedom and would increase red tape for businesses.

The news was welcomed by the Charter Group, the pressure group of licensed multiple retailers which includes the British Hospitality Association, the Restaurant Association and the British Beer & Pub Association. The group has been campaigning for the past five years for a voluntary solution to public smoking.

Chairman Nick Bish said the group's voluntary charter was a proven success and that the Government should be consulting the hospitality industry to look at alternatives to an outright ban on smoking in public places.

"The solutions the health lobbyists seek also have an impact on people's jobs and businesses, never mind lifestyles. This is more than just a health issue," he said.

Amanda Sandford, research manager for Ash, the anti-tobacco campaigners, said Blair's preference for a voluntary solution was no surprise, but said it wouldn't deter the group's campaign.

She welcomed recent controversial plans by EU Commissioner David Byrne to impose an EU ban on smoking in public places using employment law. Employment legislation is covered by majority voting, which means that the smoking ban could be introduced into Britain even if the British Government votes against it.

Sandford said: "This may be a viable and best way forward, especially if Government isn't behind us. We got tobacco advertising banned through an EU directive, which means we can get things done at an EU level."

Smoking bans in action

• New York joined other US cities such as Los Angeles in imposing a public smoking ban earlier this year.
• From 2004, Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway are expected to impose public smoking bans.
• Local council initiatives in Brighton, Manchester and Birmingham are now looking at the issue and working towards better practices, if not an outright ban.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 25 September 2003