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Beer garden smoking ban ‘draconian’
Reporter: LOBBY CORRESPONDENT
Date online: 09/02/2010
EXTENDING the smoking ban to beer gardens could be the final nail in the coffin for already struggling pubs, MPs are claiming.
Shipley MP Philip Davies and Leeds North-West MP Greg Mulholland fear Government proposals to extend the ban to areas outside pubs including the gardens would damage an already stretched industry.
Mr Mulholland, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, said while smoking had serious health implications there was a need for a balance to be struck between protecting the rights of non-smokers and the rights of adults who choose to smoke.
He said: “Just when pubs have got to grips with the smoking ban and have found ways to cater for non-smokers and smokers alike, this nanny state New Labour Government wants to ban something else.
“This really is quite ludicrous as well as draconian and will cause more damage to pubs that are already hard hit in the current climate.
“It is as if members of the Government wake up and think ‘What can I do to damage the pub trade today?
“It is high time Ministers woke up to the positive role that pubs play in communities and as a controlled, sociable drinking environment are actually an important part of the solution to problem drinking, rather than treating people as naughty children and trying to ban everything.”
Latest figures show 16 pubs have closed across Oldham since 2005, of which three have closed since the smoking ban was introduced in the summer of 2007. A further twelve pubs have closed in Ashton.
Mr Davies added: “This sort of anti-smoking crusade is over the top. People can argue for or against a smoking ban in enclosed spaces but to include outside as well is just ludicrous.
“It is kicking an industry when it is down. I fear it will be the straw that breaks the camels back.”
The MPs fear the “draconian” measures will force people to stay at home and endanger children through passive smoking and force many more pubs to close.
Last week Health secretary Andy Burnham set out plans to halve the number of smokers in the UK to one in 10 by 2020.
Have Your Say
I agree entirely that there should be a smoking ban in beer gardens. Last summer while dining outside at various pubs in the area it was a pain as everyone who smokes were also sat outside next to family's eating food.
Bring it on the sooner the better!
Are they taking the mick - why don't they go the whole hog and ban alchohol, laughing, smiling, pool, darts, tables, chairs, jukeboxes and talking. Then they'll be happy. Lets have it right -"it's a pub" if you don't want to be around smokers go to a restaurant or eat inside.
Wonderfully ironic. They're concerned about a bit of smoke dissipated in the outdoor air but will happily accept people knocking back the most dangerous, widespread substance in society today.
Saddleworth1 thats a perfect example of how selfish the non smokers can be.
before the ban most pubs that served food had no smoking areas which protected you from the smoke. then when your beloved ban came in it forced them all outside. so you now have a smoke free pub. be happy with that.
its the fault of the ban that it now spoils outdoor dining! but surely relocating the outdoor dining will solve this?
speak to any landlord and they'll tell you how much the smoking ban has hit their trade!
Move abroad! I'm going to the pub later for a beer and a smoke!
The reality is that pubs have not "got to grips" with this bullying ban, they are losing money hand over fist, so is HMG in tax revenue. Pubs are just soulless empty shells now a mere shadow of what they were 32 months ago. Most of them are empty or stink of pee or cheap scent. This exercise in intimidation by the government and a few fake charities is destroying our social cohesion and all based on lies. Wake up, they are coming for your BEER next. Even many nonsmokers disagree with this ban.
Perth western australia has had whole areas coffee strips beaches,all public venues banned for some time including all sporting events & government property a huge improvement that was soon adjusted to.
"Just when pubs have got to grips with the smoking ban and have found ways to cater for non-smokers and smokers alike,"
Greg Mulholland must be a complete idiot, if he thinks that pubs cater for smokers and non smokers alike. One third of smokers(about four million people) have stopped using pubs since the smoking ban was introduced, according to an NHS Information centre report.Millions of others go out less More than fifty two pubs close each week and more than 100,000 jobs lost.Amend the ban!
I dont smoke but i dont agree with banning people who want to smoke and that is what is happening today.It as amazed me that folks havent taken to the streets to protest before now.! We are fast becoming a police state and i do really think that if the good people of this land allow this to continue then we are on the road to destruction.We have drug dealers on every street in the town and nothing is being done about that, but thats hard work !! people in pubs well that is real easy eh?
how can they police this? its outside in the fresh air?
like i've said before! the fun police will not be happy till everyone has no free rights at all!
By fedupoldhamer @ 09/02/2010 14:30:30
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