MP to propose smoking ban reform

A Conservative MP is set to table a Private Members’ Bill proposing a relaxation of the smoking ban in England and Wales.

Although it is unlikely Bury North MP David Nuttall will see his proposals become law, his actions will serve to raise the issue of free choice for landlords in the new parliament.

Nuttall – himself a non-smoker – believes that pubs should have the right to choose whether they allow smoking inside or not.

He told the Manchester Evening News: “This bill isn’t about completely reversing the smoking ban, it is simply about giving pubs and private members clubs the right to choose whether to allow customers to smoke in their premises.

“When a rural village pub or local community pub closes down it is not just smokers who lose out, everyone loses out.

“As a devout non-smoker I want to stand up for the freedom of individual pubs and clubs to choose for themselves whether they should have a smoking room.”

Nuttall will present the Public Houses and Private Members’ Clubs (Smoking) Bill in the House of Commons on 13 October under the 10 minute rule motion.

Nuttall’s call comes following the results of a survey by pro-choice organisation freedom2choose which shows more than 70% of pub operators in England want to see the smoking ban relaxed.

The survey of 570 licensees found that only 8% wanted a full ban, while 72% were in favour of a separate smoking room.

Alan Lodge, 05.10.2010