Jump to full article: The Publican, 2009-07-01
Author: James Wilmore
Intro: Pro-smoking group wants pubs and bars to be allowed separate smoking rooms
Pro-smoking group Forest has renewed calls for the smoking ban to be amended on the two-year anniversary of the legislation today.
The group wants the government to amend the ban to allow separate smoking rooms in pubs and clubs.
Last week the group also launched a campaign called Save Our Pubs and Clubs (SOPAC) - fronted by its patron Antony Worrall Thompson.
Simon Clark, director of Forest, said: "The smoking ban has been a disaster for many pubs and clubs which are currently closing at a rate of 40 per week. "The ban is excessive and although it is welcomed in some quarters, it has had a hugely detrimental effect on many people's lives, socially and economically."
Older people feel "humiliated" when they are forced to stand outside, especially in winter, he added.
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