Tuesday 23 June 2009

Landlords call for relax on smoking ban

A new campaign launched this morning is urging the government to allow smokers back into pubs across Britain.

The Save our Pubs & Clubs campaign wants landlords to be able to provide specially ventilated rooms in their pubs for smoking.

Celebrity chef Antony Worrell Thompson is supporting the campaign; "The smoking ban has had an extraordinarily detrimental effect on pubs and clubs.

The legislation as it stands is excessive and I would like to see it amended."

The campaign has the backing of MPs from a range of parties.

Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming said: “We need to amend the law so it is fair to smokers and non-smokers alike and doesn't compromise the future of pubs and clubs."

However the campaign has already been met with criticism.

Popular pub group Wetherspoons who ended smoking in their pubs before the ban feel it is time for pub owners to move on.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “I don’t think it is a good enough reason for saying that pubs are not doing well.”

“People have to realise that it is here to stay and it is not an excuse.”

No comments: