Alistair Arkley column

Apr 5 2006 By Alistair Arkley, The Journal

We're told by the political pundits that Tony Blair is determined to leave a "legacy" which will affect all our lives … whether it be in education, health or even ID cards!

Yet I suspect that for millions of people it will be very different policies for which our Prime Minister will be remembered - not least the "cultural" revolution now taking hold.

We have already seen the end of the old-style licensing hours - although in many respects the new legislation could be seen as something of a damp squib.

Predictions of a mass move to round-the-clock drinking proved wildly inaccurate - as did dire warnings of chaos and disorder.

However, I suspect that, when the social historians look back, they will see that the moment which left the most lasting impact was when MPs voted to ban smoking in public places.

Let me make clear that across our industry there was a widespread acceptance of the inevitability and perhaps a relief that, in going for a total ban MPs had adopted the least worst option.

If they had accepted the original Government proposals, providing exemption for private members' clubs, it could have posed a serious threat for many pubs.

What we now need above all are clear decisions on how the ban is to be implemented and a sensible time-scale for its introduction.

Government plans are to implement it in 2007, but I wonder if they have thought it through. What about the issue of how pubs may have to adapt their premises to provide outdoor facilities for customers who want to smoke, and how quickly planning applications can be processed?

And who will be expected to enforce the law? It is hard to imagine that the police would see it as a high priority, or would the buck stop with the local authority, the person behind the bar or the pub owner?

Imagine the dilemma facing the landlord who has not yet received planning permission for a smokers' corner when a long-standing customer refuses to stub out his cigarette. Does he banish old Joe to the cold and wet or risk facing the consequences?"

Talk in the trade at the moment suggests a fine of around £2,000 would be likely! There may have to be tough decisions taken, but it is unfair to expect them to be made without clear and detailed guidance.