We need smoking ban guidelines to hit July start date

The hospitality industry has demanded that the Government urgently unveils full details of the English smoking ban, after the Department of Health finally revealed a start date of 1 July 2007.

Despite operators having just seven months to get their houses in order, concerns remain over the details and policing.

Anthony Wallis, managing director of pub company Charles Wells, said it was imperative the finalised smoking regulations were published immediately. "We now have a date to work to, but would urge the Government to publish the guidelines applying to the smoking ban as quickly as possible so that everyone can get their final planning in place," he said.

Business in Sport and Leisure, which represents the interests of more than 100 private-sector companies in the sport, leisure and hospitality industries, expressed concern that the Department for Communities and Local Government had not yet released any planning guidance on what outdoor structures should look like.

Alex Salussolia, chairman of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, agreed that clarity on planning was vital, explaining that operators needed to enter into a dialogue with other stakeholders to discuss issues such as smoking on the street.

"In some areas drinking on the street won't be allowed," he said. "From our experience we know managed areas for customers are best for everyone, but we haven't been able to talk about this yet as we still don't even know what an outdoor structure will look like."

Salussolia also attacked the "disproportionately high" fines attached to the ban, which will see operators fined £2,500 if smoking occurs on their premises, compared with just £200 for individuals.

Graham Jukes, chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, called for additional funding for local councils so they can prepare staff. He also wants to see the Health & Safety Executive involved as a second regulatory body after councils, as they have inspection expertise.

Industry's xmas wish list

• Immediate publication of finalised regulations governing ban.
• Guidance about permitted outside structures.
• Release of additional funding for councils to prepare staff.
• Inclusion of Health & Safety Executive as enforcement body.
• Guidance on ban enforcement.
• Reduction in the level of business fine.
• Dialogue on managed outside areas for smokers.

For more on the smoking ban>>

For more on the smoking ban, see Opinion here >>

By Chris Druce

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