Claims by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) that banning smoking in pubs will increase profits have been slammed by the industry.
Research by the TUC and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) states that smoking studies in eight countries prove that a ban has no negative impact on the profits of pubs, bars and nightclubs.
Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary elect, said: "People who work in pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants need protecting, and the voluntary Charter backed by the tobacco industry will do nothing to save the lives of thousands of workers at risk every day from passive smoking."
But licensees in the UK fear that an outright smoking ban could lead to a huge drop in trade and a loss of jobs.
The latest information from New York, which banned smoking in all its bars and restaurants at the end of March, has shown a drop in trade by as much as 50 per cent in some outlets.
The Publican Market Report 2002, a survey of 750 publicans, showed that on average licensees thought they would lose around 39 per cent of custom if smoking is banned.
Nick Bish, head of the industry's voluntary Charter Group, which promotes self-regulation on smoking through the use of signage, good ventilation and no-smoking areas where possible, has spoken out against the findings.
"I think their research defies other information, including the New York experience and The Publican's own research," he said. "To be selective about research is not helpful.
"We believe that evolution is the way forward through the Charter, not revolution."
Simon Clark, director of FOREST, the pro-smoking group, said: "Restrictions may be good for business but a ban isn't.
"Neither the consumer nor the hospitality industry wants a complete ban on smoking and there is absolutely no need for it."
Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, is trying to push through a bill to ban smoking in restaurants and venues serving food, including pubs, although it is thought that lack of Parliamentary time will prevent the bill being passed.
The Charter Group is expecting positive news from the Department of Health over its minimum 50 per cent compliance level with the voluntary Charter.
Health chiefs push for ban
Fears that the industry could face an all out smoking ban were heightened this week when health chiefs in Plymouth called for smoking to be banned in all pubs and bars.
Bosses at the Primary Care Trust, responsible for funding all NHS services in the city, said it would save lives by cutting down the risks to staff and customers from passive smoking.
Debra Lapthorne, director of public health at the trust, said: "There is a known risk from passive smoking, particularly for people working in pubs, restaurants and clubs and we have a responsibility to try and reduce the risk to people dying early from heart disease and cancer."
Related articles:
Banning smoking could increase profits, says TUC (12 May 2003)
Smoke ban blasted by tobacco giant boss (8 May 2003)
Smoking ban could be in new bill (24 April 2003)