DRIFFIELD MP Greg Knight and celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson have launched a cross party campaign to amend the smoking ban in pubs and clubs across the Britain.
The campaign, 'Save our Pubs and Clubs – Amend the Smoking Ban', was launched at the Buckingham Arms in London with MPs and MEP's from all the major political parties.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Knight said, "Britain's pubs and Clubs are at the he
art of every community, they are a much loved part of our national culture. With almost 40 closing their doors for good every week, it is high time for a rethink of the smoking ban".
"This 'one-size-fits-all' approach of banning smoking everywhere, in every room in every pub and every club across the whole country has hurt the businesses of hard working publicans, especially in East Yorkshire".
Mr. Knight added, "Many people enjoy a smoke free atmosphere. But some don't. Rather than exclude almost half their customers publicans should be free to provide properly ventilated smoking rooms which would improve their service and upset no-one".
Mr. Knight stressed that pub owners and club members, not the Government, knew best what their customers wanted.
The campaign is being backed by Labour MP David Clelland and Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming and Nigel Farage MEP, Leader of UKIP.
Pictured, L to R are, Picture 1: Antony Worrall Thompson and David Clelland MP (Labour) seated and Greg Knight MP launching the campaign
