Simon Clark - Taking Liberties

A leading hotelier says Antony Worrall Thompson is right to call for a review of the smoking ban.

Pride of Britain chief executive Peter Hancock says the smoking ban "has crucified pubs and clubs in all parts of Britain and continues to do so".

Full story here including the following soundbite from Caterer and Hotelkeeper's Neil Gerrard:

"The ban has undeniably contributed to the increased closure rate of pubs over the past five years."

Try telling ASH that!

The magazine's website also has one of those self-selecting online polls allowing you to vote 'yes' or 'no' when asked 'Should the Government review the smoking ban. When I voted a few minutes ago it was 50:50.

Harmless fun. Click here and scroll down.

Update on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 18:53 by

Simon Clark

Someone called Mike thinks AWT is an "idiot" for proposing a review of the smoking ban:

Like that's going to happen. Pubs are closing as a result of drink/driving legislation and the ridiculous price of a pint, not the smoking ban. Many pubs have seen an increase in footfall since the ban as non-smokers (the vast majority of the population) are going to pubs when previously many wouldn't because of the stink and health issues.