Government changes tack on smoking ban policy
Two months after Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell reassured the industry that a public smoking ban in England and Wales was not on the Government's agenda (Caterer, 11 March, page 22), a ban now looks likely for the industry.
Members of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) met Jowell last week to consider proposals to boost non-smoking in pubs and restaurants. Their views will feed into the consultation, which closes on 28 May.
Industry proposals included provisions to prevent smoking at the bar by 2006 and introducing no-smoking areas into 80% of pubs by 2007.
According to the BHA, Jowell and Health Minister Melanie Johnson, who were previously against legislation, took the view that the voluntary code did not go far enough and were keen to move towards a regulatory regime.
Martin Couchman, deputy chief executive at the BHA, now suspects a smoking ban could appear in the Labour Party's election manifesto, depending on the strength of the feedback it receives from the consultation and the party's "Big Conversation" with the nation.
He also fears a ban could be left in the hands of local authorities, which he denounced as "nonsense", warning it would lead to inconsistency and chaos.
The Government's plans for smoking in pubs are expected to be outlined in July, when it publishes a White Paper on public health.
Ireland undecided over smoking ban Two months on from the smoking ban in enclosed public places, Irish publicans remain unsure of the legislation's long-term effect. A Caterer straw poll found:
The public is well educated about the changes to the law and is toeing the line, with virtually no hostility directed at pub and bar workers.
None of those called had suffered a dramatic fall in sales as a result of the ban. Some reported a slight drop, but most said trade had been the same or better. "It's got busier because we've had people along to eat midweek that would never have come to a smoky pub," said Darren O'Reilly, restaurant supervisor at the Ballymore Inn, county Kildare.
Some publicans expressed concern that the smallest operators, who don't necessarily have gardens or courtyards for smokers, will be the biggest losers.
It's still too early to know the full effect. "Business was very good two weeks after the ban, but it dipped the two weeks after this," said Phillip Shaffery, owner of the Stag's Head, Dublin.
