Preparing for the smoking ban - an expert advises

Get in early

I hate to be alarmist, but in our experience, too many people waited too long before doing something to react to the ban. Don't wait for the legislation to come in and do something then, because almost certainly your competitors won't.

In Scotland, the ban came in during fairly clement weather and many pubs allowed the customers to get used to the outdoor areas as shaded outdoor areas and thus get them used to being outside the main pub. Pubs in England and Wales would do well to follow suit.

Find a solution partner​

We would suggest that you identify a support organisation which can help you survey, give options, plan and execute your estate requirements. Find an organisation which can provide a complete solution service and preferably cover your whole geographical spread so that you have less hassle dealing with multiple contact points.

You can get the most out of your support organisation by sharing your investment plans for the immediate and long-term so that they can provide options suitable to your budget and development plans.

We have found that working closely with the client's estate managers gives a greater return for all involved in ensuring that feasible options are provided and that we can plan trades and materials availability in ways to ensure minimum disruption to trading.

Avoid commodity buys​

We would hope that you don't get caught in the trap of putting in temporary solutions or buying commodity installations, which your site may not be able to sustain in the long-term. Your solution not only has to be fit for purpose but also has to appeal to your customers and any branding requirements.

We have discovered several issues when looking at solutions for the premises including wind durability, whether the existing electrical wiring can take the load required by the external heating and lighting units that you will need, what ground works will be needed if any, and how to do all this with minimal disruption to your trade.

Make sure that you validate the project management and supply chain capacity of your support organisation, especially when demand for their services increases.

Planning frustrations​

You need to consider what will and won't be allowed by the local authorities and planning permission plays a big part in your choice. Planning can be a major frustration when bottlenecks appear as local authorities are suddenly inundated with the options from all pubs in their area at one time.

So, again, the sooner you get your options sorted the better.

We are now receiving requests for more sophisticated solutions including patiolas, heating and lighting and greater integration with the existing interior ambience, which has obvious planning ramifications and does require careful handling.

Make the most of what you've got ​

We also advise publicans on making the most of any external area they may have. This includes whether to convert some of their car park areas, patio builds and screening.

Landlocked pubs have a real problem with the smoking ban and may need to consider other ways to keep turnover up, including the provision of food. Even if you haven't provided food before, companies can advise you on how to fit a kitchen area in to your premises and how to change your interior design and layout to accommodate the changeover.

Air ambience​

We came across requirements to deodorise all internal soft furnishings to get rid of the smell of stale smoke once the ban came in. It is amazing how long that smell lingers and you may wish to consider this, especially if you are considering food provision.

Other odours that are previously masked by smoking can also be a factor and you may wish to consider what to do with your air conditioning and any service arrangements that will be required.

In conclusion we would urge you to identify your support organisation early, plan and budget together, and consider the long term in your choices.

Steve Curran is managing director of Glasgow-based building consultants Mercury​ which has carried out some 120 schemes helping Scottish pubs cope with the smoking ban.​ For more information visit: www.mercuryfacilities.co.uk​.