A smoky atmosphere is the number one turn-off for pub-goers, according to new research.
A survey of around 1,200 people across the country, carried out by electricity and gas provider Npower, found 57 per cent were put off pubs and bars because they were too smoky.
A third of those aged 16 to 34 said they had walked out of a pub, bar or cafe purely because of the smoke, and 43 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds had walked out.
Conversely, a pleasant atmosphere was one of the major attractions for pub-goers, with half of those surveyed agreeing that an enticing smell was more likely than décor, comfort or liveliness to draw them into an outlet.
Loud music ranked highly as an irritant with nearly half the survey (47 per cent) citing it as one of their top three gripes, and a quarter of the survey claiming they had left venues in the past because of it.
David Titterton, director of Npower business services, said: "The survey showed British people hold the right atmosphere very dear, whether it's where they work, or where they play.
"They're not likely to voice their complaints though. When it comes to pubs and restaurants people tend to vote with their feet.
"Good ventilation in your bar, air conditioning and brighter lighting in your offices - even subtle changes can make an impact on your customers and your employees."
Other findings included:
- 35 per cent claimed to "hate theme pubs"
- 19 per cent thought barstaff were too slow at serving customers
- 13 per cent felt barstaff were too "grumpy".