Response to the Public Health White Paper - Choosing Health: Making Choices Easier
16-Nov-2004
PRESS STATEMENT
Date: Tuesday 16th November 2004
The British Institute of Innkeeping Responds to the Public Health White Paper – Choosing Health: Making Choices Easier
John McNamara, Chief Executive for the British Institute of Innkeeping said; “Whilst the announcement to ban smoking in pubs where food is served comes as no surprise to the pub industry, it is still a disappointment that the Government has gone down the legislative route.
“It is estimated that around 90% of pubs will be affected by the introduction of this legislation and the last thing that this industry needs is yet more red tape to slow down the good work that has been done.
“Through the Public Places Charter on Smoking, the industry-led initiative to reduce the amount of smoke in pubs and improve consumer choice, 53% of pubs and bars across England and Wales already have smoking restrictions in place compared to 23% five years ago. In addition to the work of the Charter Group, five major pub companies have committed to banning smoking in 80% of their pubs within the next five years.
“The hospitality industry has already made significant progress in improving facilities for staff and customers with the installation of non-smoking areas and considerable investment in high quality ventilation.
“We believe that through continued work with the Charter there is an opportunity to create more smoke-free areas within these establishments in a relatively short timescale for both their customers and our staff.
“This approach is far more effective than the regulatory route and will deliver benefits to both staff and customers in a tangible and realistic way. Each pub landlord should be allowed to consult with their customers and staff and base their smoking policy on the findings.”
ENDS
| ref | 07902 |
| christine@bii.org | |
| Contact | Christine Dedman 01276 417 805 |
