August 20, 2004

Greene King's smoke-free boss urges colleagues to "get real".

Managing Director of Greene King Pub Partners, David Elliot urges detractors of Ireland's smoke-free policy not to rush to judgement.

On the surface it may appear that the introduction of smoke-free legislation may have hit some pubs takings. However, Mr Elliot notes that those not solely reliant on drinkers and catering for food and accommodation have reaped the rewards.

Mr Elliot notes that pubs in the UK have dramatically changed over the past 20 to 30 years. Sales of beer have fallen markedly and there has been a change in consumer spending patterns. Higher disposable incomes have been accompanied by a transformation in consumption patterns. Alcohol is often consumed at home, with friends "rather than going to a smoke-filled pub."

"Let's get real", he urges. "Try and picture our industry a further 20 years time. Let's not assume that everyone likes to go home with their clothes stinking of smoke at the end of an evening in the pub. These people have a choice and they will make it. We don't need a Government-sponsored smoking ban to persuade us to act now before it is too late."

Mr Elliot points to the BMA's sustain argument about the effects of passive smoking, underpinned by research. "Figures are worsening every time the BMA releases a report", he warns, "most recently stating that heart disease has increased by 50 % to 60% in non-smokers from passive smoke."

Source: Morning Advertiser, August 12, 2004