The trade has panned West-minster Council for suggesting that smoking be outlawed on the streets outside pubs when the ban comes into force next year.

As the Morning Advertiser exclusively revealed last week, the council has asked Government for the power to designate certain streets no-smoking because of the high density of bars. Anyone

lighting up on the pavement would face a £50 fine.

In its response to the smoking ban consultation, West-minster pointed to the fact that noise complaints in Edinburgh rose by 1,000% after the ban was introduced in March.

“There are already problems outside some licensed premises caused by people standing outside drinking and creating considerable noise for neighbours,” said councillor Audrey Lewis. “We are anxious to avoid this being greatly increased by smokers.

“While clubs are responsible for the behaviour of the people inside their premises, we don’t want to find substantial numbers of them congregating outside where there is the likelihood of extra work for the police.”

But trade leaders insisted the proposal had “no chance” of success.

“It is beyond the scope of the draft regulations,” said British Beer & Pub Association manager of communications Neil Williams. “It’s not workable and I don’t see any prospect for its success. It’s not something Westminster can or should be allowed to do.”

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish believes Westminster is setting out its stall to reject all applications for licence variations to allow extended use of outside areas.

“Westminster is using the smoking regulations to paddle another canoe,” he said. “Measures are already in place to deal with noise and it should take advantage of those. It is using smoking to drive people off the streets.”

Enterprise lessee Brian Hebblethwaite, of the Old Nell in Covent Garden’s Drury Lane, added: “This is just another example of West-minster’s anti-pub stance.

“I have had a terrible time with licensing. The police have now even objected to my temporary events notices. I accept the smoking ban, but this is unbelievable. It would make things a lot worse.”

Source: Morning Advertiser