Smoking ban review urged by Euro-MP

AN Oldham Euro-MP is calling for a review into the smoking ban in pubs and clubs across the country.

Paul Nuttall is writing to every MP in the North-West urging them to support a call for a review into the legislation which was introduced in July, 2007.

An early day motion — the parliamentary equivalent of a petition in which MPs can canvass support but have little chance of having the matter debated — put forward by Brian Binley MP is asking for this review and Mr Nuttall is urging every member of parliament to support it.

Mr Nuttall, who represents the UK Independence Party, said: “This motion is an excellent move and long overdue. You only have to consider the thousands of public houses that have closed since the ban was introduced to see why it is needed.

“The proposal calls for the Government to conduct a thorough review, supported by consultation with all parties and affected business sectors, on the impact the smoking ban has had on public houses and private members clubs.

“Mr Binley suggests the legislation should be amended by allowing segregated smoking areas inside such premises. That is the policy that the UKIP has advocated ever since the ban came in.

“Pubs are at the heart of local communities and we believe the smoking ban has played a major part in the closure of so many of them.

“And they are still closing, at the rate of 39 per week. A total of 2,365 pubs shut down last year meaning the loss of 24,000 jobs.”

He added: “The Labour party said in their 2005 manifesto that they would not introduce a complete smoking ban.

“After they did, ministers promised to review it three years after it came into force on July 1, 2007.

“That review does not appear to be forthcoming and it essential that it does happen.

“This motion has cross-party support and I am writing to all the MPs in the North-West urging them to sign up to it.”