Timeline: Caterer's stub out smoking campaign
Seventeen months ago Caterer and Hotelkeeper launched its campaign to Stub Out Smoking in all workplaces. During that time, Caterer has galvanised industry opinion, lobbied Government, and researched opinions of hospitality businesses and their workers. We've published more than 50 articles on the smoking debate, conducted additional surveys and participated in the Government's consultation.
Below we chart the campaign and its highs and lows.
9 September 2004
Caterer launches campaign to ban smoking in all workplaces to protect the health of the UK's hospitality workers against the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Our exclusive survey, which polled 1,000 readers, showed an overwhelming 95% of respondents thought that working in a smoky atmosphere damaged their health. A further 87% would choose to work in a smoke-free environment if possible.
7 October 2004Caterer visits Labour Party Conference and leaflets delegates to sign our petition for a total ban on smoking with the help of a deathly looking waiter.
12 November 2004Caterer delivers more than 1,000 completed Stub out Smoking petitions to the Department of Health, demonstrating massive support for the campaign from Caterer readers.
16 November 2004 Health Secretary Dr John Reid outlines Government plans for a partial ban on smoking, exempting all businesses that don't serve food. Industry leaders slam plans as a "fudge" that lacks logic.
21 April 2005Caterer visits Ireland to see how the smoking ban has affected hospitality businesses in the Emerald Isle.
4 August 2005Caterer calls for readers to participate in the Government's consultation by sending in responses to the magazine.
2 September 2005Caterer submits a dossier to the Department of Health, responding to the Government's smoking consultation. Two-thirds of readers who responded to Caterer‘s survey said they thought that the Government's proposals didn't go far enough.
8 December 2005
Exclusive Caterer research reveals that 78% of hospitality workers favour a total ban over a partial ban; 77% would choose an employer with a smoke-free policy over one without when changing jobs; and more than 60% felt they should be paid more for risking their health by working in a smoky environment.
11 January 2006
Labour MPs given a free vote on smoking as the momentum for a complete ban grows. Caterer urges readers to contact their local MPs to ensure they vote for a total ban on smoking.
14 February 2006
MPs vote in favour of a complete ban on smoking in all public places, bringing England into line with legislation in Scotland, Northern Ireland and eventually Wales.
