Two Punch pubs every week go non-smoking

More than 50 Punch pubs in England and Wales have gone non-smoking in the last six months - almost two a week - as licensees gear up for the expected ban next summer.

Food pubs in particular are opting for an early ban in a bid to entice more non-smoking customers.

Customer services director Francis Patton said: "The decision to go non-smoking rests with the retailer as it is their business. ​

"Those that have gone non- smoking are generally ones with a strong food offering. For some, it is not the right move and could seriously damage the business as they are wet-led.

"Where that is the case we have advised going for no-smoking areas at this point.

"We are also putting retailers in touch with the non-smoking pubs to have a chat about it."

Punch will invest up to £15m in its estate over the next two years in smoke ban preparations - a figure Patton believes will be matched by its licensees in fixtures and fittings.

The pubco is developing a range of smoking solutions for its pubs from basic to "all singing, all dancing" areas with heated umbrellas and lighting.

The plan is to put in a range of options at "show pubs" for others to visit.

Around 95% of Punch's pubs have outside areas and Patton said others may have to consider alternative opportunities such as improving food quality.

The key for Punch is the early release of the ban regulations.

"We accept that a ban is coming and that it is probably not a bad thing as long as we can work closely with local authorities. ​

"But we do need to know the details as soon as possible. The number of pubs banning smoking shows that consumer behaviour is changing."

Guidance Now!The Government must help pubs plan for the smoking ban as early as possible.So says the Morning Advertiser, which has launched a petition as part of its Plan for the Ban campaign. Click here to find out more and sign.

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Your comments on this story.

Robert Feal-Martinez​, via email 25/05/2006Why was it not possible to allow Publicans the option of deciding their own fate based on their customers needs.

We know the so called protection of workers was always just a sham. The Health and Safety at Work Act already offered staff protection. However not one solitary prosecution was launched due to smoking/passive smoking. The HSE make it very clear proof would have been needed but there isn't any.

HMG would have had to introduced an Indoor Air Quality Standard as with other things such as with Paint shops etc. Then it could have been shown that staff were or were not at risk. HMG new the answer to that question, they weren't given the levels of carcinogens were in Nanogrames (billionths of a grame). These lessees are making business judgements, but I would be interested to know how much Punch are charging the tenants for any work being done.

You can bet your life it's not free.

Sharon Donal​, via email 25/05/2006Well, I have to advise you that as a paying customer I will not be visiting any pub that is non smoking now or in the future.

I have no intention of paying over £3 for a drink to have to stand outside or sit in some lean to drink it and smoke a cigarette particularly in the depths of winter.

If I can't go in a pub and smoke with my drink it's quite simple I wont be going.

Will I miss the social life?

No, as myself and friends are making our own arrangements.

So yes, I agree the social drinking habits of people are changing its called socialising at home where you are warm, dry and safe from harm.

D McCarthy​, via email 25/05/2006Customer services director Francis Patton said: "The decision to go non-smoking rests with the retailer as it is their business........."

Retailers are NOT "making a decision" to go non-smoking, they are "anticipating a complusion" to go non-smoking, which is a very differnt thing. A "decision to go non-smoking" can only be considered authentic if there is an equal right to "make a decision to go smoking". Freedom of choice is the essential element.

It is as plain as day that the motivation for this behaviour is based on fears for the bottom line and not a fervent desire for the high moral tone of healthNsafety..........

So stuff the loyal smoking customers whose contributions have made the vast majority of pubs profitable in the first place.

We get the message.

Tony Blows​ via email 06/06/2006"i am totaly fed up with all you people telling us to prepear for the smoking ban, why dont you listen to the trade..? we dont want it and will not have it. start shouting about us and not the small minority of non smokers in pubs. support the pubs and not this pathetic government."