MPs want changes to smoking ban

Published: 30 June, 2011

MPs have joined forces in a campaign to persuade the government to change the smoking ban they argue has been disastrous for the pub industry.

Greg Knight, Conservative MP for East Yorkshire, Roger Godsiff, Labour MP for Birmingham Hall Green, and John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley, hosted a reception for the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign at the House of Commons last night (Wednesday).

The Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign, which includes publicans and members of the Clubs & Institute Union, wants a review of the ban and an amendment to the legislation that would give pubs and private members' clubs the option of having separate, well-ventilated smoking rooms.

Knight, who helped launched the campaign in 2009, said: "This is a unique opportunity for people to show how strongly they feel on this important issue. A modest change in the law, not a repeal of the smoking ban, is all we seek."

Mick McGlasham, general secretary of the Clubs & Institute Union, said: "The ban was passed because the TUC wanted to protect staff and non-smokers but there is no reason why we cannot have a separate smoking room in what are private premises, especially with modern ventilation."

Simon Clark, director of the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign, said: "It is clear that the ban has been a big factor in the closure of pubs and clubs throughout Britain.

"The Government must review the ban and consider a change in the law that would allow separate smoking rooms in pubs and clubs."

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