Licensees and pub operators are being urged to make their voices heard before the close of the Government's smoking cons- ultation on September 5.
Key figures from across the industry met this week at a summit in London to agree the trade's stance on the issue and help it present a united front.
The Department of Health (DoH) is consulting on plans to impose a smoking ban in public places, including pubs, but with an exemption for non-food outlets and some private members' clubs.
Delegates at yesterday's event agreed seven key points that should be put to the DoH. They are now calling on all licensees and operators to write in with their own views on the following seven points to ensure a consistent trade message:
* The Government's health agenda* Possible job losses* Threat to small traditional pubs and tourism * Some form of exemption or compensation for pubs* A longer transitional period * Signage only in pubs with smoking areas - rather than compulsory signs for all * No exemption for clubs.
There are fears a total ban in England would close many small wet-led pubs.
Despite this warning, however, the meeting heard that the majority of responses received so far by the DoH had been from the health lobby and not from the pub industry. Pubs were also accused of being apathetic and of "leaving it until the very last minute" to act.
John McNamara, chief executive of the BII said he would now be asking every one of his members to respond.
Nick Bish chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers issued a plea to the whole industry to make its voice heard.