Smoke ban fails to faze incomers

Almost a fifth of licensees would consider leaving the trade if a smoking ban was introduced, reveals a new survey from property agent Fleurets.

Researchers asked a range of licensees and potential licensees during June 2005 whether a smoking ban would have any effect on whether they would sell or purchase a property.

Seventeen per cent of existing licensees say they would want to sell up in these circumstances - slightly down from last year when 19 per cent said a smoking ban would encourage them to sell their property.

However, the latest results found that those looking to enter the trade are now less concerned about the impact of a smoking ban.

Only 25 per cent of new licensees surveyed thought the threat of a ban would put them off entering the trade to buy a licensed property.

This is down from 61 per cent just under a year ago. The fear of a negative impact on profits has reduced over the past year, with the number of existing publicans saying that a smoking ban will hit profits reducing from 69 per cent to 48 per cent.

Fleurets believes that increasing numbers of licensees are being more creative and considering how to make better use of outside areas including erecting awnings and patio heaters.

Of those looking to enter the pub market, 46 per cent felt a ban on smoking in pubs would affect their potential profits - down from 57 per cent in September 2004.

Simon Hall, associate of Fleurets, said: "We have to remember that those looking to enter the trade are also pub-goers and they have witnessed first hand the changes that publicans have made to combat the potential ban - the implementation of awnings, patio heaters and other measures. From talking to potential publicans every working day, we are able to explain the challenges of running a pub.

"In truth, the threat of a smoking ban isn't as high on their list as long hours and, increasingly now, how to cope with all the paperwork that the new licensing regulations are presenting them with."