AS the whole of the UK prepares to go smoke-free in now under 50 days, a recently published government survey reveals that adults in the South East, above all else, cite the smoke-filled atmosphere as their main reason for not going into a pub or bar. The Department of Health survey, based on 1,700 people interviewed, indicates that 78 per cent of the population supports the incoming legislation, and look forward to a more pleasant pub environment that is considerably less harmful to their general well-being. Similarly, more than two-thirds said that they would rather spend their evening in a smoke-free venue, even if they were actually smokers themselves. In Farnham, it is the more modern, food-serving bars and restaurants that look set to profit from this change in legislation, with more non-smoking patrons expected. Carl Fitzpatrick, landlord of The Coach in Castle Street, predicts an overall increase in business, claiming he currently loses customers when the busy bar becomes smoke-filled. Furthermore, as food service is a priority anyway, the new smoking ban will hopefully ensure that more customers will eat at his establishment, without being put off by latent fumes. The more traditional public houses will, however, face what Mr Fitzpatrick describes as, "a steep learning curve", with people generally looking to re-establish their weekend routines. Alistair Barr, landlord of The Queen's Head in The Borough looks forward to more non-smokers, but as a smoker himself, has made sure that those patrons wishing to still smoke are catered for. The pub's outside courtyard is currently being fitted with a cover and heaters. Mr Barr feels that most people will have previously come into contact with a smoking ban in some form at home ore abroad, and realise that it isn't so hard to adjust to. The opinions of both smokers and non-smokers in both these outfits seemed to reflect those findings in the Department of Health's survey. While non-smokers look forward to more frequent visits to the pub, smokers, too, agree that the ban is a good idea, and, as long as they are catered for in some capacity outside, will not stay at home because of the change. Those pubs without gardens or courtyards, however, may have to accommodate gatherings of customers outside their front door in the street. Finally, some of the more interesting facts to come out of this research concern business practices. Very few workers are aware how the new laws will affect their smoking rights on company property and in corporate vehicles. There will be no more designated smoking rooms and company vehicles are also covered by the ban. Raising this level of awareness, along with that of the general population about new public guidelines, is central to the new advertising campaign currently running throughout the UK. In addition, the government is also planning a mass mailing, targeting more than 1.5million businesses around the country, to ensure that when the start of July arrives, everyone is ready to go cold turkey.
