Smoke signals frustrate trade

Licensees and trade leaders are being left to set their own rules on smoking in the continuing absence of any clear guidance from government.

A Whitehall meeting between health secretary John Reid and trade representatives has again failed to offer any clarity on the smoking ban debate, and by the end of it at least four separate proposals were still on the table.

Although one proposal considered the Charter Group's efforts of self-regulation, the remaining three included a total ban, passing the ban to local authorities and a vague recommendation of a partial ban where food is served.

Mr Reid (pictured)​ added to the confusion when he drew attention to the Irish situation and raised concerns over the fall in trade there, suggesting he is still open to persuasion.

The trade is increasingly frustrated at what seems to amount to a two-faced attitude from the government on the issue. Nick Bish, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief, said: "If there is confusion it's because the government is confused. "We're very clear on what the trade needs to do and that is to take the initiative. If we wait for the government to move on this we could be waiting until doomsday."

Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: "The only clear message to come out of this meeting was that there will be some form of statutory intervention at some point, but not necessarily a total ban."

Although the lack of clarity from the government leaves the trade in limbo those attending the meeting remain positive.

But John McNamara, chief executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping, said licensees were running out of time to prove self-regulation can work.