22,000 pubs tell customers to 'Stub it Out'

CIGARETTES are to be banned from a third of Britain's pubs except in tiny smoking areas.

Five of Britain's pub chains, which run 22,000 bars, will voluntarily banish smoking in 80 per cent of their floor space.

The remaining 20 per cent will be cordoned off for smokers. Having a smoke standing at the bar, already forbidden in many pubs, will be totally outlawed by the end of the year.

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "Clearly with the number of non-smokers on the increase, companies want to reflect that in the way they run their pubs.

"At the same time we believe in freedom of choice and a policy that will still allow smokers to enjoy a night out with their friends in the pub."

Enterprise Inns, Mitchells & Butlers, the Punch Pub Company, Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises and the Spirit Group hope that a self-imposed smoking boycott will stave off an all-out Government ban - like in Ireland.

The no-smoking rule will be phased in over the next five years. Mr Hayward said: "It is designed to ensure pubs continue to serve the whole community, attract new customers, enhance the work environment of staff and minimise the impact upon the economy."

A recent Department of Health survey showed that 80 per cent of the public back some kind of smoking ban.

A spokesman for anti-smoking group Ash said: "These proposals are totally inadequate.

"This move will fail to protect staff in pubs and members of the public because smoking and non-smoking areas can't be effectively kept apart. Quite simply, smoke drifts."

The British Beer and Pub Association claims drink sales have fallen 15 per cent in Ireland since it outlawed smoking. It argues that a similar all-out stop here would cost the economy £3.5billion.

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