London councils may ask for smoking ban powers

Local councils in London are considering asking Parliament for powers to impose a smoking ban.

The Association of London Government (ALG), which represents the councils, is drawing up a list of measures to include in a Bill this November.

The issue of smoking bans is among proposals already put forward by the councils, with Enfield in north London leading the call.

But a spokesman for the ALG said reports that the smoking issue would definitely be included in the Bill were "jumping the gun".

"Nothing's ruled in and nothing's ruled out," he said.

A spokesman for Enfield council said the authority was not looking for a blanket ban on smoking.

It planned to take a three-stage approach, first taking a tough line on smoking in offices in the borough, then making sure all pubs and restaurants had separate smoking areas, and finally persuading businesses such as nightclubs to take a more responsible attitude to passive smoking.

But the spokesman added that the council was "not looking to drive business away from Enfield."

He said: "We want to work with business, but we're also mindful of trying to protect the public health of our residents as well as workers in the public entertainment and hospitality industry."

Buy this week's Caterer magazine for more industry news and analysis