Smoking: the middle way
There's no two ways around it, the Government's proposals for smoking in pubs don't make sense, as thousands of licensees are keen to tell them.
Why should pubs that have a decent but not massive food trade be forced to give it up if they want to keep their smoking customers happy? And why aren't pubs that really do want to cater for smokers not able to serve them food as well?
Far better, instead, to adopt the proposals we outline on our front page today. We feel these two suggestions could achieve all the health aims of the White Paper, as well as making pubs far better places to visit.
Firstly, let pubs continue to offer food and the freedom to smoke in the same pub, as long the smoking takes place in a separate, self-contained area, with no smoking at the bar.
Secondly, give pubs that don't wish to go down that route, or can't, the option of being smoke-free at lunchtime, and smoking (and food-free) at night, again with proper bar-staff protection.
Pubs would be free to take either option. Of course, they'd also be free to ban smoking if they chose or put in as much ventilation and air purification equipment as they saw fit.
These various routes allow licensees to respond to their customers' needs. And as Government has already indicated it'll allow smoking pubs, and even smoking and eating in private members clubs without any restrictions, there is no sense in not allowing the bulk of pubs this flexibility, too.
Trade leaders appear privately relieved we have escaped a total ban and local government interference, and seem optimistic that the artificial split between food or smoking can be resolved. They're also delighted we have four, possibly more years, before the measures take effect.
Naturally, they are reluctant to discuss their hand in advance of meetings with officials. But while we await those deliberations, it's vital licensees make their views known. If you support our stance, write to us the address is just below and we'll make sure the Government knows what you think. This is not a time to sit back and let other people control your destiny.
