The ?Save Our Pubs and Clubs??? campaign was launched by a coalition of groups and individuals who believe that the public smoking ban introduced in 2007 is excessive. Those with HVAC jobs would know that ventilation in pubs and clubs can be so bad that tobacco smoke remains indoors permanently. The aim of the campaign is to amend the ban so that owners, employees and customers at least can have a choice on whether such an environment is acceptable.

The campaign recently received support from MPs in all major parties, who claim that ventilation systems should be able to mitigate the threat of tobacco smoke. They hope to force an amendment when legislation comes up for review in 2010, to allow pubs and clubs to have ventilated smoking rooms. The amendment, if successful, would surely mean business opportunities for those with HVAC jobs.

The campaign argues that modern ventilation systems make it perfectly acceptable to smoke indoors. If this is the case, then owners should consult those with HVAC jobs on the specification and installation of ventilation systems that best suit the needs of individual pubs and clubs. Ongoing expenses such as maintenance and upgrades should also be considered.

The campaign further recommends that smoking should be allowed only in venues that can secure a licence by ensuring an agreed level of ventilation and air quality in both smoking and non-smoking areas. For example, in Spain, venues larger than 1,002 square metres can have a designated smoking room if it constitutes less than 30 percent of total floor space, is fully partitioned and separated from the rest of the venue, and can be wholly avoided by non-smokers. Venues with limited floor space can choose to be smoking or non-smoking.

The ultimate goal of those with HVAC jobs is to ensure good indoor air quality through the use of equipment and services that are cost-effective and energy-efficient. Because Britain?s pubs and clubs are at the heart of every local community, those with HVAC jobs should have a say in determining whether individual pubs and clubs are suitable for serving smoking customers.