Smoking ban is killing pubs, says landlord
A PUB landlord has sounded the death knell for the traditional English pub after his takings have dropped by almost 30 per cent since the smoking ban started.
David Church, who runs the Two Brewers on Olney High Street, said his takings have dipped since the cold weather began in the middle of October, after a summer that seemed relatively unaffected by the smoking ban.
"Trade dropped marginally in the summer after the smoking ban started," said David.
"But because the weather wasn't great and there wasn't much sport on I can't say whether this small drop was simply down the the smoking ban.
"Since the weather has turned cold, however, I have really noticed a big drop in takings. I think this is because smokers would rather stay at home to have a cigarette with their drink than come to the pub and have to sit out in the cold and the rain."
David, aged 47, is a non-smoker who has worked the pub industry since he was in his teens. He has been the landlord of the Two Brewers for 10 years and believes the smoking ban has signalled the end of the typical English country pub.
"It's normally really busy here at the weekends, but just last Friday the whole bar was empty because everyone was out the back smoking. That means anyone walking past would look in and think it was really quiet and dull inside and could be put off from coming in.
"We are being pro-active about the ban by offering a really comfortable smoking area and adding more to our menu, along with special events like wine-tasting and comedy nights. But all of this means our regular custom will completely change.
"I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of pubs close after what appears to be a difficult winter ahead. The government has completely killed the English pub."
What's your local like after the smoking ban? Is it deserted, or have the smokers adapted to the new rules?
If you are a non-smoker has the ban encouraged you to visit your local more often?
Let us know by emailing your views to editorial@mkcitizen.co.uk
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Saturday 04 February 2012
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