M and B Smoking Policy
Mitchells & Butlers PLC
09 September 2004
9 SEPTEMBER 2004
MITCHELLS & BUTLERS AT THE FOREFRONT OF POLICY ON SMOKING
Mitchells & Butlers today has announced its policy on smoking, as part of an
industry-wide strategy to increase no smoking areas in the nation's pubs.
Consumer choice is the driving force behind the policy.
'The policy is the result of careful consideration of the needs of both smokers
and non-smokers, and demonstrates the best way to provide choice for all of our
customers,' said Tim Clarke, Chief Executive.
The policy sets out a clear intent to expand no smoking facilities. The
timetable is ambitious yet practical, in order to manage potential consequences
as a result of the change.
The programme will transform pubs into primarily no-smoking venues, with
restricted and progressively reduced smoking areas. Smoking will be banned at
the bar by the end of next year and, within the next five years, 80 % of trading
floor space will become non-smoking. Over 22,500 outlets across the industry
have embarked on the initiative so far representing more than a third of the
UK's bars and pubs.
Many Mitchells & Butlers outlets have already moved in the direction outlined in
the policy. A vast majority of the estate operates a no smoking at the bar
policy, in addition to designated no smoking areas. A review is underway to
reduce the trading floor space of smoking areas.
'We feel this joint effort on behalf of the hospitality sector demonstrates our
commitment to finding a progressive and deliverable solution, which upholds the
principle of choice and the wishes of the general public,' said Clarke.
- ENDS -
Notes to Editors:
Mitchells & Butlers owns over 2,000 outlets and is one of the UK's leading
operators of managed pubs, bars and restaurants. Our range of market-leading
brands and formats include Ember Inns, O'Neill's, Harvester, Sizzling Pub Co.,
All Bar One and Vintage Inns.
For more information on Mitchells & Butlers visit www.mbplc.com
1.Mitchells & Butlers commitments and timeframe
By the end of December 2005:
- No smoking at the bar
- No smoking in back of house areas
- In all premises, smoking areas to be restricted to a maximum of 65% of trading
floor space, reducing progressively to a maximum 20% of floor space by the end
of December 2009
- A minimum of 50% of restaurant/dining area floor space to be non-smoking
- Mitchells & Butlers will also continue to develop exclusively smoke-free
venues where appropriate and practical
No Smoking at the bar- To be imposed while customers are being served and while
they are standing or sitting at the bar with their drinks. Customers to be
alerted that the bar is a non-smoking area through use of signage above or on
the bar and by communication from staff.
No smoking in back of house - Includes all back of house areas where staff work
including kitchens, cellars, storage areas, corridors, staff rooms. Does not
include Licensees' separate, private accommodation.
Dining/restaurant areas- An area exclusively used for dining or as a restaurant.
In larger venues this could be a separate room or section. Customers will be
advised in which areas smoking is allowed through the use of signage as
appropriate.
2.For further information please contact:
Simon Ward Public Affairs Director Tel: 07774 907024
Kate Glover Head of Communications Tel: 07808 095192
Sally Ellson PR Officer Tel: 07808 094395
This information is provided by RNS
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