Pub giants move to curb smoking and head off ban

Five of the UK's biggest pub chains moved today to try to head off a full-blown smoking ban being imposed on their pubs, restaurants and bars by announcing restrictions of their own.

The five, Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), Enterprise Inns, Punch, Scottish & Newcastle Pubs Enterprises and Spirit Group, outlined plans to ban smoking at the bar and limit smoking elsewhere.

But it remains a moot point as to whether their proposals will be enough to prevent the Government bringing in its own, probably wider-reaching ban.

The restrictions by the five, which between them own some 20,000 pubs, will be phased in over five years, although smoking at the bar will be banned by the end of next year.

They intend to make 80% of areas in pubs smoke-free, designating just 20% of floor space for smokers.

"Pubs want to provide staff and customers with great work and social environments," said Rob Hayward, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association.

"Clearly with the number of non-smokers on the increase, companies want to reflect that in the way they run their pubs.

"We want to see better choice for non-smokers. At the same time we believe in freedom of choice and a policy that will still allow smokers to enjoy a night out with their friends in the pub," he added.

The Government is known to be following the experience of Ireland, which banned smoking in public places earlier this year, with interest.

It is thought to favour bringing in some form of ban, although it may leave the final decision to local authorities.

M&B chief executive Tim Clarke said the decision was the result of "careful consideration of the needs of both smokers and non-smokers alike."

A spokesman for Punch said the trade realised something needed to be done on this issue.

"What we do not want is a Government-enforced ban to kick in," the spokesman said.

by Nic Paton

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