London council considers smoking ban

Licensees in Enfield are despairing over news that the council is considering its own smoking ban.

Councillors in Enfield have said they are seriously considering a ban based on health concerns over passive smoking.

The move is expected to kick-start other London councils into action and many are already rumoured to be approaching Parliament in September to learn how to enforce a ban in all work places.

A spokesman for Enfield Council said: "At this stage Enfield Council has asked the Association of London Government (ALG) to consider including a power to ban smoking in public places within a possible London Local Authorities Bill. A decision on whether to proceed with this proposal is likely to be made by the ALG in October."

Should Enfield enforce such a ban in Enfield without it being in place across the entire country, licensees fear they would see trade slipping away to neighbouring towns.

Michael Fay, licensee at the Goat in Ponders End, Enfield, said: "As an Irishman I've seen what it's done to trade over there and it would definitely damage it here. My pub is on a border with other boroughs so if they bought it in solely in Enfield customers would simply walk down the road to another pub for their drink."

The council is also exploring powers it may have under new licensing legislation, to require certain licensed premises to restrict smoking where under-18's are admitted. This will be subject to public consultation following the Council's Cabinet meeting on September 15.