BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBS AND RESTAURANTS

Early day motion 143, tabled 19 May 2005 by Laurence Robertson (Conservative). Signed by 3 members.

That this House opposes proposals to ban smoking in pubs and restaurants; believes that such decisions are best made by the local landlord and restaurant owner who is responsible for ensuring that the needs of his clientele are met; further believes that, if there is genuine demand for non-smoking pubs and restaurants, the free market will provide them without interference from Government; notes that many pubs and restaurants already operate successful policies which cater for both smokers and non-smokers; further believes that a ban would seriously damage the pub trade in particular; and calls upon the Government to refrain from introducing heavy-handed, illiberal legislation which would deny very many law-abiding people their innocent pleasure.

Signatures by party: Conservative 3.