Licensees and bar staff in England strongly oppose a total ban on smoking in pubs, clubs and bars.

Most support the current government proposal to allow smoking to continue in licensed premises that do not serve food (73 per cent). The results are in stark contrast to the position recently voiced by some trade representatives, who have publicly expressed their support for a total ban.

According to the poll, only 24 per cent of licensees and bar staff agree with the amendments proposed by Kevin Barron, which would see a total ban in all enclosed public places, with no exemptions.

In a separate question, 85 per cent of licensees and staff think smoking should continue to be allowed in pubs to some degree. 70 per cent of respondents agreed that smoking should be allowed to continue in any licensed premises, provided there are separate smoking and non-smoking areas.

The poll also found strong support for a scheme that would allow any licensed premises to apply for a 'smoking' license, provided they meet nationally agreed criteria, such as segregated areas and effective ventilation. 81 percent of the sample believed the scheme, which would place all licensed premises on a level playing field when deciding upon smoking policy, would be a fair and viable alternative to the measures currently outlined in the Health Bill.

Oliver Griffiths, Director of AIR, said: "This is the second time in six months that we have surveyed licensees and bar staff on smoking in public places. Each time the results could not have been clearer. Whilst the licensed trade accepts the need for increased restrictions on smoking in public places, it does not want a total ban.

"Our poll conclusively shows, whilst there is strong opposition to a blanket smoking ban at grass roots level, licensees are bar-staff recognise that restrictions are inevitable and have identified a compromise, which is fair and achievable for all. It is now up to legislators to recognise and adopt this common sense approach."

The poll, conducted by Cardinal Research, was commissioned by Atmosphere Improves Results (AIR) hospitality initiative, which promotes practical techniques to resolve the public smoking issue. Results from the poll will feature in the Publican newspaper (13 February 2006 edition).

Notes:

1. The AIR initiative was launched in 1997 to identify and promote practical techniques to resolve the public smoking issue, in line with the hospitality industry's self-regulatory Public Places Charter on smoking. Its aim is to improve the environment for staff and customers and to develop a better, cleaner and more profitable future for the UK hospitality industry, achievable through active self-regulation.

2. The survey was conducted among licensees and bar staff across the England (but not Scotland) by specialist licensed trade researchers Cardinal Research. The fieldwork was carried out between 20 January and 23 January 2006.

3. 250 licensees and 250 bar staff were interviewed by telephone, of whom 163 were from the South of England, 187 from the Midlands and 150 from the North of England