Licensees frightened of enforcing smoking ban

Jun 28 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

MERSEYSIDE’S licensees last night expressed their fears of physical violence and verbal abuse at the hands of disgruntled smokers.

A report by Wirral-based Confederation of Professional Licensees (CPL) revealed more than half the region’s licensees and bar managers had significant fears that enforcing the July 1 smoking ban would put their personal safety at risk.

Respondents were also concerned the public were still not aware of the restrictions.

Almost 60% expressed a “serious fear” they would face verbal abuse, physical threats or violence when attempting to impose the ban.

Paul Chase, CPL chairman, called for police support for licensees who may face abuse.

He said: “These results are particularly worrying and highlight fears for personal safety. Businesses and individuals are clearly not confident they can deal with situations where conflict may arise.

“This is a unique survey, because it questions people working in the trade, all of whom were about to apply for their personal licence.

“It is clear that while this group supports the smoking ban, they are concerned about personal safety, and very few believe the impact on the level of trade will be positive.”

Last night Graham Clarke, owner of the Jacaranda pub, Slater Street, said: “We will abide by the law. We won’t be doing anything out of the ordinary or special when the law comes in.

“I don’t see any problems. I think we’ll just have to see how it pans out after the weekend.” Eddie Curlett, owner of the Pump House at the Albert Dock, said: “If people become aggressive, we’ll just have to ask them to leave because it will be the law.”

Andy Hull, Liverpool City Council’s public protection manager, said licensees would not find themselves stuck between belligerent customers and the heavy hand of the council.

He said: “We are here to support them and have already visited the 1,500 pubs and bars in Liverpool at least twice to help them prepare for the ban.

“I can understand there is a degree of trepidation in making it clear to people that smoking is not permitted any more. However, we do not expect licensees to put their own personal safety at risk

“The law says that if someone persistently continues to smoke then they will become the focus of the law, not the licensee, and we will look to prosecute them.”

The survey also found80% supported the ban.

When asked, “Do you believe the smoking ban will attract new customer groups?” 57% answered “Yes”.

However, when responding to the issue of enforcing the smoking ban, 56% felt it would be “moderately difficult,” while 27% felt it would be “difficult”, and 17% said it would be “easy.”

When asked what impact the ban would have on trade, 47% believed trade would fall, 36% felt it would have no impact, and 15% believed it would improve.

carolineinnes@dailypost.co.uk