BII pledges to help members with smoking ban implementation
15-Feb-2006
BII,
John McNamara, BII Chief Executive, said, “The decision yesterday will have a serious impact on licensed businesses. This is a serious challenge to the licensed trade and should not be underestimated. We now know some of the detail of ban, although the timescale is not ideal, it is a relief that all licensed premises will be facing this on an equal footing, and that private members clubs are included.
He added, “We will be supporting our members with ideas and information to help them make the change to their premises whilst minimising the damage to their businesses in the long run. We will also be using our links with local authorities to help represent our members with planning issues and of course will continue to lobby the Government on the implementation of the ban.
Mr McNamara concluded, “We have lobbied hard on behalf of our members, along with the FLVA and ALMR, to try and make MPs understand the impact of this ban on the licensed trade. At least they seemed to listen to our plea for a level playing field.”
Nick Bish, Chief Executive of ALMR, agreed, “We are disappointed that there is not more time for the transition. We hope that there is a sympathetic planning regime and that there will be compensation available to those businesses that the smoking ban destroys.”
Tony Payne, Chief Executive of FLVA, added, “Our concern is for small marginal businesses which play a valuable role in their local communities. This could wipe out a whole section of our traditional pub estate. We need to offer as much help as we can to these businesses and hope that their landlords do likewise. We won’t be concentrating on calling for a delay as we believe every hour fighting for a delay is an hour lost in preparation. ”
| melanie@bii.org | |
| Contact | Melanie Taylor, Communications Manager 01276 417863 |
