Pub operators in England will have to wait until the new year to find out the fine detail of the smoking ban due mid-2007.

From that date, only pubs that do not prepare or serve food will be exempted from the ban, along with private members clubs.

Kevin Barron, Labour MP for the Rother Valley and chair of the Government’s Health Committee, said many of the details would emerge with the regulations, which will not be published until the Health Bill has gone through Parliament.

The bill, which was presented to Parliament last week, will receive its second reading this month and its third in January.
 
“Then we will know what is likely to happen in terms of regulations and other principles such as the distinction between a food and non-food pub,” said Barron.

The wait will not please the industry which is already reeling under the decision to bring forward the date of the ban by 18 months.

Independent of the bill, the Health Committee will be holding two public meetings, on 17 and 24 November, to hear further evidence from both camps in the smoking debate.

The earlier date will include representatives from pub operator JD Wetherspoon along with the British Hospitality Association, the British Beer and Pub Association, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association.

By Angela Frewin

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