‘Anti smoking ban’ talks end with no consensus

‘Anti smoking ban’ talks end with no consensus

	Published : Tue, 25 Oct 2005 20:05 By : Paula Demarzio Print this Story

Health secretary Patricia Hewitt’s proposed anti-smoking legislation could be a long way off from being passed as ministers failed to reach a consensus yesterday. The ministry was expected to publish the new public health bill tomorrow.

The bilateral talks ended with no agreement on a possible compromise for a partial ban. Hewitt had called for the last-minute meeting hoping to get an agreement from her colleagues, but there was no decision.

The original proposal has consistently been opposed with ministers equally divided over whether to enforce complete ban or a partial one where private clubs are excluded.

There were suggestions to have dedicated smoking rooms in pubs and clubs, as a “smoking carriage” where the staff are not expected to work. The concept of a ‘partial ban’ was found to be subjective with various ministers suggesting certain places be excluded. Former health secretary John Reid, who is now defense secretary wanted military installations and ex-servicemen’s clubs to be exempted from the ban.

His public health white paper last year had proposed a similar partial ban where smoking was banned in all restaurants and pubs that served food. At last night’s meeting he defended his stance by saying such a ban would be easy to enforce as establishments that serve food could be routinely checked by environmental health officers.

His argument was countered by ministers who said some pubs and restaurants would simply stop serving food in order to be excluded from the ban and retain their patronage.

Hewitt’s other colleague Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary was in favour of enforcing a complete ban explaining that it would bring down the number of smoking-related illnesses among the poorer people. It would also be easier to enforce, she said.

There were others like Ms Jowell who recommended a total ban. These included minister for communities and local government David Miliband, and work and pensions secretary David Blunkett.

Meanwhile the association of innkeepers Federation of Licensed Victuallers’ Association have protested saying that for a large percentage of working people a pint and a cigarette are very important at the end of a day. Denying them this simple pleasure and means of relaxation would result in a loss of 10 percent in business, they said.

The Republic of Ireland has already imposed a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places. Scotland and Northern Ireland have already agreed on a similar ban.