Bar Talk

Is an all-out smoking ban now the best option?

Justine Stockton

5 Degrees West

Falmouth, Cornwall

"Yes. For our premises, it would certainly be the best option. Around 70% of our customers don't smoke. A total ban would be beneficial to employees - whether they work in a private members' club or a bar, it should be the same. I know other countries have experienced a drop in trade - and it'll only be fair here, if there's a blanket ban."

Howie Bedford

Full Quart

Hewish, Somerset

"Yes, definitely. We're a family and food oriented pub. I've got a young son and I don't want him to grow up in a smoky environment. I recently went to Ireland to take a tour of the Guinness factory and the whole experience of going to a pub is much more pleasant when the building you enter doesn't stink of smoke. And, when you get home your clothes don't smell either."

Ben Frost

Japanic

Leeds, West Yorkshire

"Yes. I think its the only way forward now. As a non-smoker, smoking has been the single worst part of my job. I'd rather people spat on my shoes than smoked in my face. Saying that, I do have sympathy for smokers, but I think they'll adjust. I remember 10 years ago when my mum was instrumental in banning smoking in her office block - at the time it was quite controversial, but now it's the norm. People will get used to it eventually."

Martin Few

Land of Liberty, Peace

and Plenty

Heronsgate, Hertfordshire

"We think a total ban is the best option now. It's all

going to get messy otherwise. We don't plan to lose a lot of custom as the legislation won't come in for a couple of years and we hope to have created an outside heated area by then."