Smoking ban fear voiced (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Smoking ban fear voiced

A PUBWATCH chairman believes a ban on smoking in pubs could cause tremendous harm to the trade.

Peter Eveleigh, chairman of the Bradford on Avon Pubwatch, said the average pub were "piggy in the middle" between the pro and anti smoking lobbies.

Ministers this week unveiled plans to ban smoking in pubs serving or preparing food, restaurants and other enclosed public places like bus stops. Health minister Caroline Flint denied a smoking ban in all pubs was on the cards.

Mr Everleigh said: "What we are trying to focus on is the potential impact on our business.

"I think a ban would do tremendous harm to the business.

"A number of pubs in this country will go to the wall because they will not be able to sustain the loss incurred while non smokers come back to the pubs."

West Wilts and Kennet & North Wilts Primary Care Trusts are urging business to respond to an 11-week consultation period on the proposed smoking ban.

New legislation will be phased in with smoking banned in all government departments and the NHS by the end of 2006, and in licensed premises by 2008.