The majority of pub workers do not support a ban on smoking in licensed premises, new research claims.
According to a study by the Atmosphere Improves Results (AIR) initiative, seen by The Publican magazine, 90% of bar employees said they were happy to work where smoking was allowed.
Instead of outlawing lighting up, most workers believed the government should explore other options.
Nine out of 10 thought ventilation could play a significant part in managing smoke, while three quarters want pubs to be able to set aside a separate room as smoking.
Almost half said bars should be allowed to have some sort of separate non-smoking area.
Oliver Griffiths, director of AIR, said: “The desire of barstaff and licensees to accommodate the interests of smokers and non-smokers alike - from separate rooms to ventilation - shows how important it is to consult those who work at the coalface, as well as in the policymaker’s office.”
Consultation over plans to prohibit smoking in 99% of all workplaces began earlier this week. Pubs not serving food would be excluded from the rules.
Some health groups claim the proposals do not go far enough and call for a blanket ban in all enclosed public places.
