Members of parliament unite to amend smoking ban

Mon 23rd May, 2011

MPs from the three main political parties have joined forces and will co-host a reception at the House of Commons to support an amendment to the smoking ban.

Greg Knight MP, who helped launched the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign in 2009, said, “This is a unique opportunity for pubs and clubs to show how strongly they feel on this important issue. A modest change in the law, not a repeal of the smoking ban, is all we seek.

Publicans and members of the Clubs & Institute Union, which represents over 2000 working men’s clubs, have been invited to attend the event which marks the fourth anniversary of the smoking ban in England. Organisers say they will be lobbying MPs for a review of the ban and an amendment to the legislation.

Campaigners say the ban has had a devastating impact on community pubs throughout Britain. Almost three years after the introduction of smoking bans in England, Scotland and Wales, Scotland had lost 7.1% of its pub estate (467 pubs), Wales 7.3% (274), and England 7.6% (4,148).

Save Our Pubs & Clubs is a coalition of groups and individuals who believe that the smoking ban is excessive and should be amended to offer choice, protect jobs and help struggling pubs get back on their feet.

Campaigners want a review of the ban and an amendment to the legislation that would give pubs and private members’ clubs the option of having separate, well-ventilated smoking rooms. 

Greg Knight MP, who helped launched the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign in 2009, said, “This is a unique opportunity for pubs and clubs to show how strongly they feel on this important issue. A modest change in the law, not a repeal of the smoking ban, is all we seek.

Mick McGlasham, general secretary of the Clubs & Institute Union which is supporting the event, said, “The ban was passed because the TUC wanted to protect staff and non-smokers but there is no reason why we cannot have a separate smoking room in what are private premises, especially with modern ventilation.”

Simon Clark, director of Forest and the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign, said, “Looking at the dramatic increase in pub closures since the introduction of smoking bans in Scotland, Wales and England, it is clear that the ban has been a big factor in the closure of pubs and clubs throughout Britain.

“The Government must review the ban and consider a change in the law that would allow separate smoking rooms in pubs and clubs.”

To attend the Save Our Pubs & Clubs reception at the House of Commons on Wednesday 29th June, telephone 01223 370156 or email info@amendthesmokingban.com.

Source: Save Our Pubs & Clubs (23 May 2011)

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