Smoking ban is killing WN pubs claim
REVOLUTION is in the air as West Norfolk publicans continue to feel the pinch of the new smoking laws.
The smoking in enclosed public places ban, now in its sixth month, has represented one of the toughest challenges to the industry, and some local pubs have seen a devastating slump in sales.
Now, as the colder weather threatens trade further, some publicans are fighting back in an attempt to save their livelihoods.
Mrs Debbie Ribbands, landlady at the Woolpack in Lynn, hit out: "At the start of the ban, trade was down by around 40 per cent. Things are slowly starting to pick up, but we are still down about 32 per cent.
"Local publicans all meet and we basically say the same thing. One or two have even said they won't go along with the ban but, as a small business, I can't afford the hefty fine if I get caught.
"A pub magazine has put in a piece saying there may be a protest march and I think it would be a really good idea. I would definitely take part and a lot of the punters would like to come with me – it's not just about landlords.
"The Government has taken away our rights and our freedoms. I feel licensees need to join up and put together a protest because they are taking away our business. I would support a petition 100 per cent.
"I have lost some really good customers. A fag and a beer go together and that's the way it's always been. I have gained no new customers and even non-smokers are disagreeing with the ban."
A further threat to the industry is the low cost of alcohol in supermarkets and, in a month when people traditionally tighten their belts, many customers may be tempted to economise with a night in.
Pubs across the UK have spent millions of pounds introducing covered outdoor areas, often with heaters and even televisions, to keep their smoking customers comfortable.
But, ironically, these facilities could also be further driving down profits because smokers happy to sit outside are not joining in pub activities or, crucially, visiting the bar.
Mr Trevor Barr, landlord at the London Porterhouse in Lynn, said he had not installed outdoor heating in the hope people would have a quick cigarette and head back indoors.
He added: "The first thing that struck me was that the ban took away the atmosphere because everyone was going outside. Even the non-smokers are sitting out there and sometimes we have bands playing to only 40 per cent of the customers.
"I think we are all waiting to see how cold the winter gets because that will have an affect on trade – people won't want to be smoking outside in the snow.
"People are not going out to the pub during the week and I don't know if that's due to smoking. It could be because of the cost of beer and the Government isn't doing anything to encourage people into the pubs."
Traditional English pubs have been forced to drastically re-think their image and diversify in order to stay afloat. Many landlords believe the only way to beat the ban is to cash in on the "family pound" and, instead of relying on drink and smokers, begin to serve more food.
Mr Robin Williamson, joint-licensee at Lynn's Crossways Inn, said: "The ban has definitely had an affect overall on trade and the novelty of going outside has worn off.
"We are a traditional community pub and smoking was a way of life. Around 90 per cent of our customers smoked. The ban was not properly thought through and I think businesses should have been given a choice. Do-gooders will try to stop people drinking next.
"Ironically, we have lost the casual smokers who don't usually smoke. They used to come out to enjoy a cigar and a pint. There is definitely a down-turn in trade, but it's hard to tell exactly how much of that is due to the ban."
Smoker, non-smoker, used to be a smoker... what do you think?
Is the smoking ban an infringement of smokers' liberties? Is smoking in enclosed public spaces an infringment of the liberites of non-smokers? Who has the right? Should it come before the risk to health from passive smoking? Let us know. Write to: The editor, Lynn News, Limes House, Purfleet Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1HL or email malcolm.powell@lynnnews.co.uk
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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