Landlords’ fear over smoke ban

9:14am Saturday 2nd December 2006

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PUBS in York which lack the space to create outside areas for punters are in danger of "going to the wall" when the new smoking ban comes into force next summer, a landlord has warned.

The warning comes as city landlords look ahead and consider how to deal with the change in a bid to keep customers and trade.

The Government has set July 1, as the date for the ban in England and Wales, which means virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smoke-free environments.

It will include offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person.

The date has triggered a mixed reaction among licencees across York.

Dave Headley, manager of The Bay Horse, Blossom Street, said: "A lot of our customers smoke so we would need an outside heated shelter area. We have been quoted about £4,000 which is a considerable amount. As a small business it will affect trade.

"A lot of pubs don't have the space for that. Places without an outside area are really going to struggle. It is a shame. I think a few pubs will go to the wall over this."

Danny Cousins, landlord of The Fox, Holgate Road, said his pub was a listed building which might pose problems as they try to create an outside patio area for smokers. But he said it was a necessary step.

"Everyone here smokes. When you collect ashtrays they are full of fag ends," he said. "Customers are frustrated by the ban. We all thought we might be able to keep perhaps one room for smokers, but that's not the case.

"People are not happy about it. I don't know what effect it will have on trade."

Jim Hardie, of The Blue Bell, on Fossgate, said: "We are a very small pub with no backyard or garden, so if anyone wants to smoke they will have to stand outside. I can't put an awning up because it is a grade-II listed building."

However, he was confident smoke-free pubs would attract more business, not less.

"I think this pub will just get busier. It is small and pretty smoky. We have air purifiers, but there's only one door so it doesn't circulate well."

Rachel Johns, a director of Public Health with North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "This is a really important piece of legislation. Breathing in someone else's smoke can dramatically increase your risk of developing some serious health conditions, such as heart or lung disease."

Sean Suckling, Food And Safety unit manager, City of York Council, said: "Now the Government has confirmed the launch date, we will be working with the Selby and York Primary Care Trust to prepare guidance for the 5,000 businesses in York that may be affected by the ban."