York hospitality bosses slam beer garden smoking ban plan

They brand Labour’s proposals ‘extreme’ and ‘nanny state’, with one York hospitality boss saying if he was a publican, he would ban Sir Keir Starmer and any MP who supported him from the premises.

However, the government says the smoking ban is needed to save lives and ease pressures on the NHS.

Andrew Pericleous, a smoker, is chair of the Hospitality Forum for York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• York's Labour MPs defends government over proposed smoking ban

He told the Press: “The impact on pubs is going to be very detrimental. They took a caning when they introduced the first smoking ban [in 2007]. It would be a certain death knell for public houses. It’s getting a bit of a nanny state if they can ban smoking outside.”

The owner of Mr Chippy said if he had a pub he would ban the Prime Minister and any supportive MPs from the premises.

Philip Bolson (Image: York Press)

He continued: “If that’s what they feel they can do to me it’s my prerogative - if they feel they can dictate to the public. So if I was a publican, yes I would say ‘you are not welcome in here'.”

Simon Cotton, managing director of the Harrogate-based HRH Group, whose York pubs include The Fat Badger and the Guy Fawkes Inn, believes Labour’s plans are a ‘smokescreen’ for the upcoming budget.

The hotelier supports the indoor smoking ban, saying it has been a positive step for the nation’s health, but adds there is no evidence outside smoking causes harm.

He said: “I have never once in the last 17 years since this [inside] ban, had any guests complain at outdoor smoking in beer gardens so I don't believe there is a problem that needs addressing.”

Smoking could be reduced by preventing people born after 2009 buying cigarettes, as is legislated for, but existing measures are working as shown by a falling death toll from cigarettes, he added.

Simon warned: “On the other hand, alcohol related deaths have been rising year on year recently and now stand at approximately 10,000 a year.  On this basis, do we expect him to close pubs altogether and accept that anything that is bad for you must be banned. Crazy!”

He also feared such a ban would force smokers to stay at home, hitting hospitality businesses, whilst increasing the risk to children and their families at home.

Adam Wardale (Image: Staff)

Simon said he would accept designated smoking areas but believes a total ban would mean smokers smoking in the streets, and with pubs no longer providing ashtrays, this would lead to more butts thrown in the street.

He added: “[The ban is] poorly thought out and not a sensible suggestion.”

Hospitality consultant and non-smoker Philip Bolson says he supported the indoor smoking ban, but current proposals are “nanny state” and “go too far".

The former hotel general manager also told the Press: “Running a business is tough and is getting tougher and as such we really don’t need a Government making it even harder through taxing us more and putting further pressure on consumer demand. The NHS has deep challenges, and this feels like a gimmick.”

Adam Wardale, chairman of Hospitality Association York, said: “Whilst we can understand the health concern and the need to look at policies and legislation to support the NHS, this seems an extreme measure.

“This will ultimately impact all hospitality businesses as people may well end up staying home - thus potentially not achieving the aim of the rule anyway.”

He added: “I am sure a middle ground could be achieved ensuring that a dedicated space is created for smokers away from entrances and any areas where children in particular may be subject to smoke.

“Hospitality, and other industries, are still feeling cost pressures - this will be another blow.” 

York area CAMRA declined to comment.(Image: York Press)