More pubs face ruin warns licensee

An Edinburgh licensee who claims he has been forced out of business by the smoking ban has warned that more bars will follow.

James Hickman said he had lost £40,000 after ploughing his savings into a lease on McEwans Alehouse, in Newington, less than two years ago.

It's just a good old-fashioned local, but there are so many in the area that are struggling.​James Hickman, licensee

Takings at the community-based pub have fallen by around £1000 a week, or about 20 per cent, since the ban came into force a year ago.

Hickman told the Scotsman newsppaper: "It's just a good old-fashioned local, but there are so many in the area that are struggling. It's been particularly bad since the smoking ban came in.​

"It's a major issue. I think a lot of them will go. We've still got a lot of people coming in, but they're not spending as long here or as much money as they used to."

He added: "If more traditional pubs close, then we're losing an important social facility."​

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Traders' Association, said he was conducting a Scotland-wide survey to assess the impact of the ban.

He said: "There's some evidence of real hardship come out of the smoking ban. The traditional Scottish pubs, especially outside the city centre, have definitely been hit the hardest.​

"I've no doubt there have been some casualties. We were very keen to see restrictions introduced to make a safer environment for bar workers, but I don't think we needed a total ban."