No half measures

With the possibility of smoking bans high on the industry's list of worries, Lorna Harrison speaks to the director of ASH (Action on Smoking & Health) to establish whether there is any support for self-regulation.

At a recent gathering of pub operators, a challenge was thrown out to anti-smoking lobby group ASH to support the trade in its aim to reduce smoke in pubs.

Addressing ASH's director Deborah Arnott (pictured)​, Peter Linacre, of Middlesex-based Massive, said: "We are aware that a ban is inevitable but rather than harassing and haranguing us, we require support and would ask ASH to engage with the industry so we can work together as allies."

But with a zero-tolerance on smoking in any workplace, Deborah's response was simple. "It is not up to us to provide detailed support. Only pressure will help bring the industry along with us," she said.

In an interview after the event, it was apparent that ASH is completely dismissive of any attempts by the trade to cut down on smoking in pubs through a voluntary approach. Choice does not feature on its agenda and the progress made with improved ventilation and no smoking areas does not go nearly far enough. Negotiation is not an option.

"We agree things have moved on but the hospitality industry has not gone far enough and it needs firmer targets," she said. "Pubs are dirty, disgusting places that smell and even with ventilation, or a refurbishment, that's the case - you can't get away from it."

Despite the sweeping generalisation, Deborah maintained that its stance to lobby and pressurise the trade into action is the only way forward in fulfilling its mission to protect workers against harmful tobacco.

"Licensees spend so much time in their pubs," she said, "they're almost unaware of what goes on in the world outside. Licensees have to protect their workers. We look at the health at work issue and there are absolutely no circumstances where smoking should be accepted in pubs."

It's no surprise then that ASH was supportive of Wetherspoon's surprise announcement this month calling for a ban on smoking in all pubs.

Outspoken chairman Tim Martin stunned the trade when he called on the government to ban smoking by 2006 claiming it was something he would be willing to do, nonetheless it would be "suicide in the absence of a national ban".

His comments have outraged fellow pub operators, trade associations and licensees who have been working hard to safeguard smoking in pubs through the industry's voluntary Charter Group. There is still a majority of licensees who fear a ban will bring about a dramatic fall in trade.

Deborah commented: "Wetherspoon is clearly thinking about how it's going to manage change and is trying to point out the business advantage.

"Although I can understand some of the trade's concerns over a ban, it is important that these early adopters take a lead. I am not completely unaware of the pressures on business and we feel that any business risk will be averted with a national ban.

"There is a fear that it's difficult to turn a business around but evidence from other countries shows that more no-smokers will go to pubs and if everyone was on a level playing field, the risk would be reduced."

So what about choice? What about the rights of smoking customers to enjoy a cigarette with a pint and the rights of individual business owners to decide who or who shouldn't be allowed on their premises?

Deborah offers answers that are difficult to argue with, quoting statistics on passive smoking, health figures and, importantly: "Employees don't have a choice."

Quoting the fact that 74 per cent of the population don't smoke, Deborah said evidence from the US and other non-smoking cities around the world proved that the pub trade would not be dramatically affected. And although we can all argue that bars in California operate very differently to Britain, Deborah pointed to Ireland, which initiated a smoking ban in pubs last month. This will prove to be the biggest test-case for the UK.

Despite her compelling arguments, there's no escaping the fact that there's a strong case for choice. The industry is big enough to accommodate smokers and non-smokers alike in a healthy and smoke-free atmosphere. The steady introduction of non-smoking pubs and the dramatic increase in no-smoking areas from 23 per cent in 1997 to 46 per cent in 2003 must go some way in convincing the powers-that-be that the industry is concerned about health, is responsibly taking action and should be free to offer choice.

Despite this, ASH will continue to work against the industry. "A change has to happen for health and safety," said Deborah. "Potentially business will go up and smoking bans can reduce costs. Smoking needs to be de-normalised in pubs and if it's brought in with planning and on a level playing field, there shouldn't be any cause for concern."

ASH - the facts​

Aims:​

ASH is a public health charity aimed at achieving a sharp reduction and eventual elimination of the health problems caused by tobacco.

What it wants:​

• A ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship
• An increase in tobacco prices via tax
• An increase in smoke-free places
• Consumer protection through improved warnings
• Regulation of tobacco as a dangerous drug
• Public awareness programmes to help people quit.

How it works:​

• Communicating - the problem to the media and public
• Lobbying - for practical public policy measures
• Networking - with health and welfare organisations
• Challenging - the tobacco industry.

It claims it is not:​

Trying to ban tobacco. According to its mission statement: "ASH is not anti-smoker nor do we condemn smoking. We recognise smoking is a powerful addiction that many struggle to overcome."