The Government's proposed smoking ban could spell the end for thousands of pub darts and pool leagues, according to a trade leader.
Federation of Licensed Victuallers management committee member Anita Adams claimed the ban will drive smokers out of pubs and into private members' clubs if they are exempted from the restrictions.
She predicted the exemption could destroy the country's traditional pub culture if sports teams opted to support premises where smoking persisted.
'Licensees are going to lose their darts and pool teams and a big part of their income if these barmy proposals come into effect,' she said.
'Inter-pub sports leagues are the backbone of the trade but my fear is that many will simply set up shop in clubs if the ban comes in,' she said.
'The tradition of licensees putting on free food for football teams and darts players after a match will become a thing of the past.
'The Government has simply not done its homework properly and its proposals are set to drive a massive wedge between the pub and club trades if they become law,' she warned.
Adams said the effects of the smoking or food issue had a range of far-reaching consequences which were only now beginning to come to the surface.
'What happens to a pub with letting rooms which opts to go down the smoking route?
'The answer is that the term 'bed and breakfast' will become obsolete because the licensee will not be able to serve food to their paying guests!'
Hull licensee Phil Asquith said: 'The Government thinks it has been very clever by trying to help out clubs.
'But pub landlords are going to lose their livelihoods, their investment and their homes.
'Any pubs running sports teams are going to be hit very hard if private members' clubs get this exemption.'
FLVA junior vice president Jayne Hall added: 'If pubs decide to retain smoking it will mean they will no longer be able to stage events such as christenings, weddings and funerals.
'Licensees face some agonising decisions if the Government presses ahead with this.'