Trade blasts Tim Martin's call for smoking ban
JD Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has shocked and upset the trade by calling for an outright smoking ban in pubs.
The outspoken chairman of the high street pub chain claims the government should ban smoking in all pubs by January 2006 to cater for the three-quarters of the population who don't smoke.
But in the meantime, Mr Martin is not prepared to initiate a ban in his own pubs claiming it would be "suicide in the absence of a nationwide ban".
"Going it alone is not a viable option in the pub world," he said.
Mr Martin's controversial announcement earlier this week has been strongly criticised by trade leaders and licensees who have been working hard to provide choice and stave off any government bans.
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said: "If he wants to ban smoking then good luck to him but he shouldn't talk on behalf of the whole trade. Smaller pubs around the country will close if there is a ban."
Nick Bish, chairman of the industry's Charter Group, has been working tirelessly to promote a voluntary approach through the use of signage and ventilation. He was surprised by Mr Martin's support of government intervention.
"He needs to look beyond his own business," he said. "There are many operators who do fear a ban would result in a significant loss of trade and I don't think we need to take that risk, especially as there's an alternative available to us now which is managing the answer ourselves."
The Publican's annual Market Report survey of licensees last year showed the average loss of trade would be 38 per cent. It also proved that the number of no-smoking areas had doubled from 23 per cent in 1997 to 46 per cent in 2003, showing that significant progress has been made through self-regulation.
Licensee John Brind of the New Inn, Buckby Wharf, Northamptonshire, said: "Tim Martin needs to put his brain in gear before he opens his mouth. People will lose massive amounts of money."
Jonathan Downey, of London's Match Bar group, is in favour of choice and believes an outright ban will "push sensible, reasonable people to take things into their own hands".
"Tim has gone from being an outspoken innovator to a megalomaniac," he said. "He has got a confused view on what's right and let's hope he changes his mind like he did on fruit machines and televisions."
Response to Tim Martin
- David Moss, licensee at the Three Fishes in Shrewsbury, which has been smoke-free for eight years, said: "I don't support a complete ban because I believe in freedom of choice and at the moment my pub is unique in offering customers a smoke-free environment. Licensees should be able to monitor their own trade and decide if a ban on smoking would work."
Deborah Arnott, director of anti-smoking group Action on Smoking and Health, said: "I'm not surprised by Wetherspoon's news. We appreciate it may appear difficult to turn a business around but more non-smokers will go to pubs and if everyone was on a level playing field the risk would be reduced."
Jeanette Feneron, licensee at the Crown Inn, Banningham, Norfolk: "It would hurt the trade and there needs to be a compromise with smoking and non-smoking areas so that customers have the choice. I'm an ex-smoker but I still support the right to choose. Three-quarters of my customers are smokers but I still have a smoke-free dining area so that there is a balance."
Dan Sencier, manager of smoke-free Brewers Fayre pub the Lauriston Farm in Edinburgh, said: "Good for Mr Martin. If someone with that much influence says something then perhaps it will have an effect. Smoking is disgusting and abhorrent so I fully support a ban."
Ian Payne, chief executive of Laurel Pub Company, said: "Laurel currently operates 14 no-smoking pubs and we plan to open a total of 50 by the end of the summer. We are not kamikaze pilots but do believe that the no-smoking pub is here to stay."
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Related articles:
Laurel hits back at Tim Martin over smoking (7 April 2004)
Wetherspoon chairman calls for smoking ban (6 April 2004)
