Last updated 12:36, Friday, 21 November 2008

THE smoking ban has been praised for helping to create healthier public places. But it has been slammed over claims it is killing the pub trade and leading to trouble outside bars. Now, 16 months on since the ban was introduced, reporter NATALIE CHAPPLES asks landlords and health experts what they think

THE debate about banning smoking in public places and workplaces has raged on since the law was introduced on July 1 last year.

While many people appreciate the healthier environments and being able to work free from secondhand smoke, the ban is also said to be killing off the pub trade in Furness and beyond.

Some even say it has led to disorder.

Since the ban was introduced, several pubs in Furness have shut for good.

Many people believe smokers are choosing to stay at home and have a drink.

Cyril Whiteside, licensee of the Ship Inn at Roose, says he would like to see freedom of choice, with smoke-free pubs and traditional boozers where people can light up.

Mr Whiteside says it is right his pub and restaurant is smoke-free, because he feels food and smoking do not go together.

But he believes traditional pubs and smoking go hand in hand.

Mr Whiteside, who has been a licensee for 32 years, said: “At the moment, there is a total blanket ban, and it is killing the licensed trade.

“My personal view is establishments should have freedom of choice.

“They should be able to choose if they are smoking or non-smoking pubs.

“You’d have to have big signs up, and then people would have the choice.

“We have no choice at all in this country. We’re living in a nanny state.

“I’m not bothered what government statistics say.

“It is killing the licensed trade.

“There is a place for the non-smoking eating establishments, and there is a place for the traditional British boozer.

“There should be some leeway.

“If we had freedom of choice with my business, I would choose no smoking.

“I’m lucky to have a nice area outside, which is heated.

“I sympathise with pubs in the town that don’t have the space and are directly on the street.

“You get groups all stood outside the pub, five or 10.

“For pedestrians, it can be very intimidating.

“It can get a bit rowdy.

“Although we have health benefits, I think it is creating public disorder issues.

“When it is confined in a pub, a landlord can control it. Now, they can’t.”

Mike Fallon is chairman of Barrow and District Licensed Victuallers’ Association and landlord of the Theatre Bar in Cavendish Street, Barrow.

Mr Fallon, 57, said: “I’m a non-smoker and personally, I would not like to see it lifted.

“I realise a lot of pubs in rural areas are suffering.

“Some people want to go to a pub for cards, darts and a smoke.

“In the town centre, it’s not as bad because people go from pub to pub.

“I am in the minority.

“If you ask most people, the majority would like the ban lifted.

“Personally, I think it’s healthier and cleaner.

“I think from day one, pubs should have been able to decide themselves.

“I have people coming who would not have come in the pub before, so there are benefits.”

Barbara Bellis, programme manager for Cumbria Stop Smoking Service, has teams of advisers around the county who give advice and support to people wanting to quit smoking.

Mrs Bellis said: “It is the most fantastic thing that could have happened.

“It protects all workers from secondhand smoke.

“People who work in bars were subjected to secondhand smoke.

“Now it’s a level playing field for everyone.

“It has reduced the presence of smoking.

“Now people have to make a concerted effort to have to go out and have a cigarette.

“It is making people think about their smoking habits.

“It has made it easier for people who were ready to smoke to stop.

“Seventy-five per cent of the public don’t smoke.

“People are feeling healthier and wealthier.

“We are getting more people coming for advice.”

Mrs Bellis said anyone wanting advice or support about quitting smoking can call Cumbria Stop Smoking Service on 01900 324 222.