BarTalk

What are the pub trade's prospects for 2007?

Adrian Clay

The Litten Tree, Blackpool.

I think it will be a tough year. The smoking ban will hit most pubs in some way or other. Beer sales will feel the effects and although the potential for extra food business will counteract this, not everyone will cope.

Pubs can't change their offering overnight and many have not got the skills to launch a food service which can compete with established businesses. I wish I could be optimistic but we are in for a difficult time.

David Heyes

The Garsdale Inn, Bury.

Smoking will exercise everybody's minds but there will be other pressures. Increased energy costs are going to affect many pub P&L accounts and bank rates could well rise in the new year. Unless licensees can tighten their belts effectively and managed their business finances they are going to struggle badly. Everyone has to be prepared. We are having a few weeks away in January and then we will resume battle.

Ian Rigg

The Taps, Lytham.

Its not going to be easy for anyone in the trade and I fear some small wet-led pubs will go to the wall for a variety of reasons. Beer consumption is in decline and when the smoking ban comes in a lot of them will not be able to change their offering. We are 80% wet at the Taps and we only a have a small outside area where smokers will be able to go. About 40% of our regulars smoke so we will have to maximise our cask beer offering to get people through the door.

Alan Murdock

The Farmhouse, Lancaster.

I have to say I view the new year with a great deal of trepidation and not just because of the smoking ban. Tenants and lessees are under massive financial pressure at the moment. I think pubcos will have to review the way they do things. Here at the Farmhouse we have a reasonable food business and accommodation revenue also helps us but we are wet-led so I am under no illusions that we are in for a difficult time.