Punch Taverns notes the vote in the House of Commons to ban smoking in all licensed premises, including private members clubs as well as pubs, under the terms of the Government’s Health Bill.  We welcome the prospect of a level-playing field for all licensed premises.

Punch Taverns supports the Government’s wish to reduce the number of smokers over a 5 year timescale.  We would wish to see any ban introduced over a clear and adequate time period to allow the industry to continue to proceed with its plans to reduce smoking in pubs on a voluntary basis, in advance of a statutory ban.  We have already been increasing our preparedness on this issue, using our investment programme to identify opportunities to increase the outside amenities and to improve the internal environment and range of offers in our pubs. 

We look forward to working with the Government on both the preparations and the timetable for bringing this legislation into effect.

15 February 2006

ENQUIRIES:

Punch Taverns plc	Tel:  01283 501600
Francis Patton
College Hill	Tel:  020 7457 2020
Justine Warren  Ends