St Austell Brewery has joined J D Weatherspoon, Fuller’s and others in responding to customer concerns and not allowing e-cigarettes inside its pubs and inns.
James Staughton, managing director of St Austell Brewery said: “We decided to ban the use of e-cigarettes in the 25 pubs and inns we directly manage primarily to support our staff in running successful and enjoyable venues for our customers.
“The main reason behind this decision is due to the confusion and difficulties that can occur during busy periods for staff who are asked to monitor the law on smoking tobacco. Also, the use of e-cigarettes can be disconcerting for some customers who may think people are smoking tobacco.
“Therefore, like other major pub companies, including JD Weatherspoon and Fuller’s for example, we have incorporated e-cigarettes in to our existing tobacco policy so that customers can use our beer gardens or designated outside smoking areas.”