Smoking ban’s mixed impact (From Thisisdorset)

Smoking ban’s mixed impact

12:15pm Thursday 26th July 2007 in

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THE smoking ban has had a varied impact on pub trade, according to publicans.

More than three weeks have passed since the UK's pubs went smoke-free and while some establishments are reporting an increase in trade, others are predicting a long winter.

Pete Smith, who is the landlord at the Park Hotel in Carlton Road South, said that business had improved since the new regulations came into force.

He said: "We've actually been busier, but we are lucky enough to have outside areas that are partially covered to accommodate smokers.

"Even the smokers agree that the atmosphere is a lot better.

"Speaking to people in general, at the very worst trade is down about 10 or 15 per cent and most are feeling quite positive about it."

Andrew Pitcher, who is landlord of the Market House in Maiden Street, Weymouth, said: "I think the real test is going to come in the winter, but it hasn't affected trade at all.

"We haven't got any garden area but people are happy to stand out on the street and they are still coming in."

However, Dawn Mullen, who is landlady at the Dolphin Hotel in Park Street, said she had experienced a dip in trade.

She said: "When the weather's bad people tend to not bother coming out now they have to keep going outside all the time. It's going to get worse in the winter.

"They are not happy about it because a pint and a fag usually come together."

Reaction to smoke-free pubs among drinkers at The Waterloo in Grange Road was split between smokers and non-smokers.

Fred Beardshaw said: "It's great as I don't smoke - I used to wake up coughing in the mornings. You don't realise the smell when you smoke."

Smoker Paul Gibson said: "I'm not happy. In a place where there are more smokers than non-smokers the majority have to suffer. They've taken our rights off us."

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has been concentrating on informing and educating pubs and businesses.

The next stage for the environmental health team will be random checks to make sure that the laws are being adhered to.

In Purbeck, Government-funded smokefree officer Stewart Connolly has been playing a major role in enforcing the ban.

Of 826 premises and vehicles inspected by the Purbeck District Council in the first two weeks of July, nearly all had made appropriate alternative arrangements.

Only one person was found to be smoking in a private hire vehicle. Mr Connolly's role has been to educate and raise awareness among businesses in the run up to the ban.

He said: "The responsible attitude taken by most people has been impressive and we are hopeful there will be little need for enforcement action."

West Dorset District Council has also been pleased with how the ban has been implemented.

Environmental Health team leader Elaine Towers said: "We have not had any major issues to deal with."