Challenges, yes, but ban can light up pub prospects

IT HAS been exactly a decade since the old (many would aver “foul”) habit of smoking in public places was crushed under the boot-heel of the then Scottish Executive. What seemed at the time like an unprecedentedly bold and divisive move has now become something that is taken for granted.

Lest we need reminded, smoking was a major public health concern in Scotland and needed comprehensive corrective measures. As Jack McConnell, First Minister at the time, said when announcing the ban: it would be a clear signal that Scotland had changed. It would reduce smoking, save lives and help transform Scotland’s national health.

Ten years on, the health benefits are self-evident. There is less exposure to second-hand smoke for adults and 11-year-old children. There are fewer hospital admissions for acute coronary syndrome. Bar workers enjoy better respiratory health. The ban may also have helped reduce the number of teenagers who take up smoking. It is pleasant to spend time in a pub without gagging on second-hand smoke or wincing at the tell-tale nicotine stain that often discoloured pub ceilings.

Many pubs have sought to compensate for the loss of smokers’ custom by introducing innovative menus, craft beer or real ales and have never looked back. The Scottish Licensed Trade Association believes the ban has been a “disaster” from a business point of view, while the Campaign for Real Ale says 1,200 Scottish pubs have shut as a result of the smoking ban. Surely, however, other substantial forces, not least stricter drinkdriving levels, and heavilydiscounted alcohol on sale in shops and supermarkets, have also impacted on pub culture. It is not hard to understand why there are now calls for some relaxation of the ban in pubs but such a concession would not be in keeping with the Scottish Government’s hope of creating a smoke-free generation by 2034. The ban has cleared the air.