Hopes that licensees in Wales would avoid a blanket smoking ban have been dashed after the Welsh Assembly committee on smoking admitted it intended to follow the Irish example.
Welsh Assembly members (AMs) on the committee have not been to Ireland to consider the impact of the ban there. But one AM has told trade representatives that an all-out ban is now their most likely recommendation.
At the final Assembly meeting on smoking the chair of the committee Val Lloyd and four other members listened to evidence from the trade - including falling sales in Ireland, the advantages of ventilation and calls for a sensible transition.
Many in the trade, including members of Licensed Victuallers (Wales), travelled to Cardiff in the hope of speaking to AMs, and in particular to the five members of the committee whose conclusions could signal the end of their businesses. But only nine members of the 60-strong Assembly bothered to attend the meeting, held on February 10, to discuss licensees' fears.
John Price, secretary of the Licensed Victuallers' Association for Rhonda and Wales, believes an all-out ban could spell the end for many licensees.
"I have carried out a survey of the valleys, which have only small pubs. If you take away 10 per cent of our trade we will close," he said.
Licensee Billy Brewer of the Newcastle Emlyn, in West Wales, who attended the assembly meeting, is concerned about the proposal. He estimates that as many as 80 per cent of his customers are smokers.
"If a pub has two bars why can't one be smoking and one non-smoking?" he said. "Trade has been declining over the years and this would be the final nail in the coffin."
The AMs who did attend the meeting seemed to support the idea of choice for consumers. Brynle Williams, regional member for North Wales and a member of the Conservative Party, said: "You can't be taking away people's rights. I think we could have designated areas. There are some AMs that are vociferous but people have to have a choice."
Owen John Thomas, AM for South Wales Central and member of Plaid Cymru, added: "I don't believe in absolutionist policies. One should shape an answer to suit the situation. We need to be looking at balance."
Philip Lay, retail director for Cardiff brewer SA Brains, said: "I was encouraged by the response of the AMs who did attend. We can only hope common sense prevails."
The Welsh Assembly is keen to get more powers - similar to those of the Scottish Executive, which can act over issues such as health and safety and education. This is looking increasingly likely under the current climate. The committee is expected to publish its report on May 25.
The Publican is calling on licensees in Wales concerned at the possibility of a smoking ban to register their support for our Butt Out! campaign.
The Swansea & District Licensed Victuallers' Association has asked The Publican to get involved following our action against plans by councils in London and Liverpool to bring in their own bans. The Publican is now waiting to be called to give evidence to the sessions at the House of Lords after putting in a petition earlier this month.
To register your support for the Butt Out! campaign, click here.