The only pub on the Scilly Isle of Tresco is set to ban smoking next month. Alan Baptist, general manager of the New Inn, said: "We stopped smoking at the bar but there was a backlash from diners, as everyone had to smoke where they were." A large proportion of the pub's trade comes from food. "We fully expect the reaction from the public will be, thank God for that'," said Baptist. "The Scilly Islands are renowned for their clear air."
Spirit involves staff in mystery scheme
Top brass at the Spirit Group are set to take part in their own "mystery shopper" scheme at the company's pubs. Staff will mark pubs for service, cleanliness and the quality of food and drink. Information will be relayed to the BDM and manager, so they can see where they're performing well, and where there is room for improvement. The "customerholics" scheme is set to start in mid-June. Meanwhile, Spirit has re-launched its website, with separate sections for customers and for corporate users.
Safe Night Out ahead for Devon police
Plain-clothes police officers will hand out safety advice in pubs and clubs in Devon as part of the police's Safe Night Out scheme. Officers will distribute flyers at pubs in Tiverton, Colyton and Crediton featuring "10 Top Tips" for being safe, including sensible drinking and how to get home safely. Staff will be encouraged to wear T-shirts that give safety advice, while bottle caps featuring advice on how to prevent drink spiking are also being handed out. Each officer has been set a target of visiting 10 venues per month as part of the scheme.
Charity wants your help to give out cash
Industry charity the Wine & Spirit Benevolent Society has launched the Be a Benevolent Buddy campaign to encourage those currently employed in the industry to nominate people who have worked in the business and would benefit from support. The charity has pledged to double the number of beneficiaries in the next three years. To volunteer to be a Benevolent Buddy, or for more information, call Eleanor Perry on 0207 089 3888 or e-mail eleanorperry@thebenevolent.org.uk
Croydon seeks voluntary smoking ban
Croydon council wants pubs to ban smoking completely through a voluntary accreditation scheme. Councillors hope the findings of its recent survey, which revealed that 79% of people support a smoking ban, will spark action from licensed premises. It plans to hold "extensive consultation" with the town's pubs and clubs over the summer with a view to publishing a strategy in the autumn. The council plans to publish a list of non-smoking venues on its website and possibly in local papers, too.