Campaigners press for Liverpool stub-out trial
by John Harrington
Campaigners in Liverpool are pushing for a three-year smoking ban trial at pubs in the city.
The group has written to health secretary Patricia Hewitt asking permission for a trial banning smoking in all public places, including pubs.
Smokefree Liverpool says the Government's plan for a ban only for pubs that prepare and serve food is not enough.
The group, which is backed by Liverpool City Council, wants ministers to study the effects of a Liverpool trial and see if they should attempt a full ban.
Programme director Andrea Crossfield said the 'vast majority' of licensees favour a complete ban.
'We've done a lot of work with restaurants and pubs across Liverpool, and one of the things that's come through loud and clear is that the hospitality industry wants a level playing field - and the Government doesn't offer a level playing field,' said Crossfield.
But Tony Brookes, managing director of Head of Steam pub company, which has an outlet in the city, hit out at Smokefree Liverpool's 'illogical' proposal.
He said a trial ban would cause a 5% to 10% fall in trade. That would be 'enough to kill pubs', particularly in a 'difficult trading city' like Liverpool where pubs are already closing.
'It would be a complete hotchpotch if every council can make their own decision,' Brookes added. 'Whatever happens, it really needs to be a national scheme.'
Liverpool City Council's own private bill to ban smoking in all public places is due to be scrutinised by a House of Lords committee next year.
Meanwhile, licensees in the Manchester Pub & Club Net-work voted in favour of a full smoking ban.
This followed a visit by network members to Dublin, in which they found the 'vast majority' of businesses reporting healthy trade two years after the Irish ban.
Meanwhile, north of the border, the Scottish Executive has allocated more than £6m for councils to enforce the smoking ban in Scotland.
The money will pay for two enforcement officers per council.
Licensees face a £200 fine for allowing people to smoke on their premises when the ban begins in March 2006.
Hosts will also be fined £200 for not showing clear signs telling people not to light up.
