Licensees told to clean up after smokers

Licensees could be forced to clear up cigarette butts outside their pubs under new government proposals.

Draft legislation, which is expected by July 1, could see pubs forced to clean an area 100 metres adjacent to the premises if they allow customers to smoke outside the pub.

The amendment to the Cleaner Neighbourhood Environment Act could see local authorities issue street litter control notices forcing licensees to clean up the area. Licensees could also face fines of up to £2,500.

Graham Cushion, lawyer at Poppleston Allen, has warned licensees that they should ensure they have a system in place to demonstrate to enforcement officers they are dealing with the issue. One example could be ensuring that a member of staff goes out every half hour to check for litter outside the pub.

"It will vary from local authority to local authority how much time is spent policing these issues. You will get a fairly inconsistent approach," said Cushion.

However, local authorities say they are gearing up for 25 tonnes of extra cigarette litter once the smoking ban comes into force.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents over 400 councils in England and Wales, has already issued a warning that street cleaners will need to concentrate on areas outside pubs and clubs in the months following July 1. This follows news that litter in Ireland increased by 20 per cent following the smoking ban there.

Cllr David Rogers, LGA spokes-person for the smoke-free legislation, said:

"Town halls are gearing up to deal with the hundreds of extra tonnes of cigarette butts, matches and cigarette boxes that could be carelessly chucked onto our streets by smokers after July 1."