[Intl-tobacco] UK: Smoke charter is winning the battle

[Robert Weissman]

Smoke charter is winning the battle
Source: The Publican, 2001-11-16

Almost two thirds of pubs pledge
support for clean air campaign

The trade is winning its battle against proposals to ban smoking in
pubs, according to a new report.

Research by the trade’s Charter Group found that almost two thirds
of UK pubs would be signed up to the trade’s voluntary charter on
smoking by the end of next year.

This exceeds the target of 50 per cent agreed with the Department of
Health and will help convince ministers to allow pubs to
self-regulate rather than imposing tough new restrictions or even a
complete ban on smoking in pubs.

The charter recommends the use of signage, no-smoking areas and
ventilation to clean up the atmosphere in pubs. 

The Charter Group report, which surveyed over 43,000 of the
country’s pubs, found that while current compliance sat at 27 per
cent, 61 per cent of publicans said they would be charter compliant
before January 2003. 

It was due to be presented to the Goverment today (16 November).

The charter was agreed by Goverment officials and trade leaders in
1998, and will be reviewed at the end of 2002.

Failure to self-regulate could mean tough new legislation or even a
complete ban on smoking in pubs. 

Trade leaders have warned that bans in other countries including
Canada and South Africa have had a devastating effect on the pub
trade with many licensees losing up to 40 per cent of their
business.

A survey of publicans in Ontario, Canada, this month showed that
pubs had been forced to lose staff and substantially cut working
shifts.

A number of local authorities in cities including London and
Manchester have said they are considering bylaws banning smoking in
pubs and restaurants.

It is hoped the Charter Group report will dissuade them.

Nick Bish, chairman of the Charter Group, said: “The report shows
that the hospitality industry can self-regulate effectively and that
we are in tune with the needs of our staff and the choice of our
customers.” 

The trade has acknowledged that customers are unhappy with smoke in
pubs and that removing it can help grow profits.

The Publican Newspaper/Britvic Pub-Goers Survey found that 90 per
cent of pub customers felt there should be some provision made for
non-smokers.

David Elliott, managing director of Greene King Pub Partners, said:
“We believe that there is an excellent business case for dealing
with the smoke. Surveys show customers want cleaner air.”

Ian Payne, chief executive of Laurel Pub Company, warned against
complacency. “If we don’t invest and work to make the charter an
even greater success, the Government will force unwelcome
restrictions upon us,” he said.