Ban bad for business :: Wessex Scene Online

Ban bad for business

22nd October 2007
Pete Bryant

Rate this story

More by Pete Bryant

Jun 08 - Grad Ball Tickets fiasco
Mar 08 - Free music for all?
Jan 08 - Album Review: Radio 1 Live Lounge: Volume 2
Jan 08 - Same story, Different Year
Dec 07 - IT undesirable?

It was called "one of the most significant public health reforms for decades", yet the smoking ban may be about to take its toll on our local pubs and bars.

The ban was brought in as concerns over the danger of passive smoke grew. Since 1 July, it has been illegal across England to smoke in any enclosed public area, meaning the days of smoke-filled bars are in the past. However, this seemingly positive act could have hidden, damaging consequences.

Many pubs and clubs struggled to prepare their customers for this cultural change and there were real fears that customers would be put off and that this would force some pubs to close down.

Colin Pollard, manager of The Hobbit, spoke of the problems the ban has caused for the pub: "We’re really dreading the cold, wet weather that winter will bring," he said. "What is to stop people going to Tesco, buying some drinks, and sitting in front of the TV in their living room where they can smoke freely?"

He also revealed that to ensure a comfortable outdoor area is provided for smokers, heating costs will soar, and the marquee, used as shelter during the winter, may have to be scrapped.

At Walkabout, Assistant Manager, Karl Westwood, has noticed a positive change however. He said: "Our food sales have risen considerably, and people may also be encouraged to quit smoking as a result of the ban."

"We cater well for smokers because the beer garden holds 250 people, and drinks sales have been as good as ever," he added.

Venues with a lack of a garden may be hit harder than most. One such bar is Varsity in Portswood, and assistant manager Hayley Ransome, who witnessed the ban come into effect, admitted they had been worried about the effect the ban would have. "We thought it would affect us due to the fact that we haven’t got a garden and so cannot provide a smoking area," she said.

With students making up a large proportion of the customers in bars in Southampton, and particularly Portswood, the full effect of the ban has yet to be seen. Colin Pollard said: "It is the smaller, independent businesses that will probably suffer the most, which is a real shame."

Reduced numbers of customers would be a damaging blow to pubs who struggle to adapt. Clearly the smoking ban could yet prove to harm some of the local pubs in our area.