Food Premises (Smoking)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Health – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 December 1959.

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Photo of Mr Harold Boardman Mr Harold Boardman , Leigh 12:00, 14 December 1959

asked the Minister of Health whether, following the successful introduction of the "no smoking" rule into the shops of a leading chain store company, he will consult representatives of the retail food trades with a view to possible legislation prohibiting smoking in food shops.

Photo of Miss Edith Pitt Miss Edith Pitt , Birmingham, Edgbaston

No, Sir. While appreciating the desirability of people refraining from smoking in food shops, my right hon. and learned Friend does not think it appropriate to make it a penal offence for customers so to do. Smoking by employees of food businesses in any room where there is open food is prohibited by Regulation 9 of the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955.

Photo of Mr Harold Boardman Mr Harold Boardman , Leigh

Is the Minister aware that customers and those serving behind the counter would welcome a ban of this description? Will not the Minister look at this matter again? After all, she has had a very good example set by a well-known multiple store.

Photo of Miss Edith Pitt Miss Edith Pitt , Birmingham, Edgbaston

The multiple store which has introduced such a ban is concerned probably as much, if not more, about the fire risk as about the risk in connection with food handling. This is a matter for co-operation and good will between the shopkeeper and those who trade in his shop.

Photo of Mr Harold Boardman Mr Harold Boardman , Leigh

Is the Minister not aware that shopkeepers are notoriously shy about using their initiative in any restrictive matter but that many of them would welcome such a ban as this if it were demanded by the law? Will the Minister look at the matter again?

Photo of Miss Edith Pitt Miss Edith Pitt , Birmingham, Edgbaston

Certain caterers and food stores already have notices asking customers not to smoke at cafeterias and food counters. The Kensington Borough Council has encouraged food shops in the borough to display similar notices. We have told some other local authorities, who have written about smoking in food shops, what Kensington has done. I am sure that the right way to approach this question is through cooperation and not through legislation.