CAMRA joins the fight against pub smoking ban

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has joined the fight to stop a smoking ban in Britain's pubs.

The consumer association has become the first non-industry group to sign up to the Smoking Charter in public places. The Charter promotes the use of signage, good ventilation and no-smoking areas.

Mike Benner, director of communications at CAMRA, said: "This is an issue that is really hotting up.

"Over the last 12 months we have had sackfuls of letters addressing the subject, some very pro-smoking and some not. We have identified the Charter as the most practical way forward."

Research carried out by CAMRA showed that 50 per cent of adults disagree with a total ban on smoking in pubs and of regular pub-goers only 18 per cent supported a ban.

CAMRA believes that public support and views on smoking in pubs will change as more pubs become Charter-compliant and consumer awareness of the Charter grows.

"Our research shows that a total ban is not what the public wants," said Mr Benner.

"The key issue is comfort. No-one likes to sit in a smoke-filled bar with their eyes stinging and throat burning. "The Charter offers a solution. It's quite likely that people's views will turn even more against a total ban as the atmosphere in pubs improves over time."

Nick Bish, chairman of the Charter Group, said: "The fact that a consumer group like CAMRA appreciates the importance of the issue and is engaging with solutions is exactly what we wanted to hear."

CAMRA findings​

A survey of 1,000 people at random showed:

• 50 per cent of adults disagree with a total ban on smoking in pubs and bars
• 30 per cent are in favour of a total ban, 29 per cent of men and 32 per cent of women support a total ban
• Of regular pub users, only 18 per cent of adults support a total ban
• Only 40 per cent of non-smokers support a total ban compared with 11 per cent of smokers
• 83 per cent of adults support the view that pubs, where possible, should have a number of rooms to meet the needs of both smokers and non-smokers
• Only six per cent disagreed with this position.