Smoking at the BIC
BIC KEEPS THE ‘GREAT OUTDOORS’ LEGAL FOR DRINKERS AND SMOKERS
The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is leading the way in ensuring that the ‘great outdoors’ is still available for concert-goers wishing to enjoy a drink outside plus the provision of an area for smokers.
Plans for the scheme were among the first to be approved for a town centre licensed premises by Bournemouth’s Licensing Board (at a hearing on 22 June 2007). The approval grants permission for the BIC to introduce a clearly identified area at the front of the building which will be carefully managed to ensure that drinks may be safely consumed outside. The scheme also provides a facility for members of the public wishing to smoke, in full compliance with the licensing law and the smoking ban.
No alcoholic drinks will be sold outside but members of the public will be permitted to take their drinks - all served in plastic for added safety – to the designated area. This will also encourage smokers away from the main entrance doors to help minimise the potential for smoke drift towards the doors and into the smoke-free building.
Plans have been carefully drawn up to ensure that the BIC continues to provide safe and convenient facilities for all members of the public, explains Peter Woods, BIC’s operations and security manager.
“Clearly the BIC needs to be a place that everyone can enjoy and we’ve been addressing our responsibilities to ensure that we continue to achieve this but also comply fully with the latest legislation, as a council venue and as responsible licensees.”
New signage is being introduced to the front of the BIC, in addition to refuse bins and cigarette disposal bins. The area will be defined with signage and cordons and supervised by the BIC’s duty operations managers, assisted at special events by fully trained door supervisors, controlled by the Security Industry Association.