Pubs, clubs and bars respond to Welsh Smoking ban date

21-Sep-2006

 Pubs, clubs and bars respond to Welsh Smoking ban date

 

Reacting to Rhodri Morgan’s announcement today large sections of the UK licensed trade today admitted it was perplexed by a Welsh Smoking Ban date which did not take into account the necessary processes which were needed to ensure a successful implementation of the ban.

 

ALMR, BEDA, BII and FLVA representing over 30,000 licensed premises in a collective statement said: 

 

“We accept that the smoking ban is coming and that it is coming soon, but it makes little sense to bring in a ban before licensed premises can make the necessary changes needed to their businesses to accommodate smokers. “

 

“Many licensed premises, especially the community pubs, are the lifeblood of their communities.  These self same premises often operate on very low margins.  With this in mind we feel that the transition needs to be properly managed.  To pick a date even before final regulations are published, seems to suggest that Mr Morgan’s announcement has not been thoroughly thought out.”

 

For further information contact:

 

Paul Smith at BEDA on 0161 429 0012/07768 258194/Nick Bish ALMR on 020 8579 2080/John McNamara at BII on 01276 417800 or Tony Payne at FLVA on 01484 710534

 

Notes to editors:

 

 

o              The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers: - the only trade association solely dedicated to representing companies in the pub and bar sector – and especially those with up to 50 outlets.

 

o              BEDA: Bar, Entertainment and Dance Association represents the UK’s late night club and bar sector.  BEDA’s membership covers the full spectrum of the industry from large corporate operators to independent clubs and bars.

 

o              BII: - the professional body for the licensed retail sector.  It is the fastest-growing membership organisation within the sector, with around 17,500 members.

 

o              Federation of Licensed Victuallers’ Associations: - the FLVA represents and supports individual self-employed licensees.