‘Bring back fags to save our pubs’ | The Sun |Features

MP Greg Knight wants a change to the smoking ban.

Concerned about its impact on the pub trade - with 25 hostelries closing every week - the East Yorkshire Tory helped launch the Save Our Pubs And Clubs Campaign.

Here, he explains why he would like to see smokers allowed to light up again on licensed premises.

THE aim of our campaign is not to turn back the clock and repeal the smoking ban - what we want is a refinement.

In its current form, the ban is heavy handed and research by the Save Our Pubs And Clubs Campaign proves it is a significant factor in the record number of licensed premises closing down in recent years.

Figures show the rate of pubs and clubs folding increased significantly after the smoking ban came in four years ago.

Some say to change the law would be controversial. But why should it be?

I am a lifelong non-smoker but I believe in fairness. I do not like the way the current law treats smokers like second-class citizens by making them stand outside to smoke.

A dedicated smoking room inside pubs and clubs would be a way round this. The present law allows for such an arrangement already - but only on a boat. Isn't that absurd? People who want to light up in a public building on land must go outside, no matter what.

A dedicated smoking room, where people can congregate to enjoy a cigarette, would not pose health risks to staff as long as it is well ventilated.

via thesun.co.uk

Posted via email from UK Pubs For Sale And Development