Pub licence prices ‘not hit by ban’

PUB licence prices have not been affected by the imminent smoking ban, according to one of the country’s leading auctioneers.

More people than ever want to get into the industry and anyone who wants to can now do so, provided they have the necessary planning and can get their hands on a licence, according to John Young of Young’s Auctioneers.

“The smoking ban in particular is a major topic in the media. It will come in and that is that. It’s a culture thing and we have to change. It’s not having an impact on licence sales and as many as ever are changing hands.

“We’ve two auctions coming up, one on September 24 and another the following day,” he said. “Licences have held their price and are selling at between €135,000 and €150,000 at the moment.”

The recent hospitality industry report on the impact of the smoking ban did not refer to the possible impact on pub licence prices. A spokesman said yesterday it was too early to assess the impact, if any. “The debate is still so contentious that it hasn’t really percolated down that far yet,” he said.

In Brussels yesterday, the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME), representing 1.8 million doctors, endorsed the ban on smoking in public places.

In a letter to be sent to MEPs, the CPME said its members are very much supportive of actions to protect workers’ health, the health of children and young people in public places, educational establishments and healthcare facilities.

Dr Henry Finnegan, head of delegation to CPME, said: “The IMO (Irish Medical Organisation) welcomes this development of a European campaign to defend the public from the adverse effects of smoking.”

Meanwhile, the Irish Cigarette Machine Operators Association spokesman, Bryan Cahill, said Fianna Fáil’s behaviour was contrary to its 1997 election slogan, People Before Politics. “What we are witnessing today is politics ahead of people. In our recently published survey the vast majority of people canvassed were against the ban.

“It is time that the Health Minister, Micheál Martin, listened to what the people want rather than continually being led up the garden path by his advisers.

“Based on our survey we believe that upwards of 30% of people over 18 in any one constituency smoke and the Minister’s decision will have an impact on their lives.

“I want to remind the minister has a responsibility to his people in not only protecting their personal health, but also their economic health and that while the jury was still out on ventilation systems removing environmentally transmitted smoke from the workplace, he would protect himself from potential litigation at the expense of small businesses.”

Last week the ICMOA revealed the results of its commissioned survey, which found a lot of women were concerned about leaving a drink unattended while stepping outside to smoke. Some 68% were concerned, whilst only 11% were unconcerned.

The survey also found over half of adults think a total ban is excessive, while two-thirds believe an effective ventilation system and separate smoking and non-smoking areas would be a better alternative to a total ban.