Outdoor area smoking ban removed (From Borehamwood Times)

Outdoor area smoking ban removed

4:55pm Thursday 21st June 2007

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A landlord fears his pub could close after Hertsmere Borough Council refused planning permission to build an outdoor smoking area, ahead of the smoking ban next month.

While the council is busy publicising the new smokefree laws in pubs, according to Jim O'Sullivan, landlord of the Green Dragon pub, in Leeming Road, little is being done to help publicans prepare for the smoking ban.

The Queen Adelaide pub, in Shenley, was also refused permission to put up an awning.

Mr O'Sullivan was refused planning permission to erect one-metre railings around the pub's forecourt to provide an enclosed smoking area, as the council feared railings would look unattractive.

Chris Lewcock, the council's area team leader for planning, said: "Our main concern is this would look visibly intrusive and not very attractive."

According to Mr O' Sullivan, the railings would help to deter nuisance customers from using the pub's outdoor facilities. He said: "It's outrageous. There're railings all around me and they are 6ft high. How come my railings will look unsightly?"

He refuses to provide an open outdoor smoking area that could be accessed by louts'.

Yet he also fears losing custom because he cannot accommodate smokers. He said: "90 per cent of my customers are smokers. The ban will cause us a lot of harm."

Martin Guidera, owner of the Queen Adelaide pub, in London Road, Shenley, was refused planning permission to erect a retractable terrace cover in the pub's beer garden.

The pub, which is in a conservation area, was refused permission as the council felt an awning would mar the landscape.

Mr Guidera said: "It would enhance the pub. We were going to spend £16,000 putting in heating, seating and lighting."

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