Scottish licensees support smoking ban
Support for the Scottish smoking ban has soared among licensees, with half now in favour, a survey has revealed.
Data supplied exclusively to thepublican.com also shows nearly nine out of 10 Scottish licensees feel the ban has had a positive effect on their workplace.
The upbeat picture will give hope to English licensees still fearful about the upcoming ban on July 1.
The survey of 150 licensees by on-trade marketing firm CGA also found 62 per cent of licensees reporting a rise or no change in wet sales.
Wine and soft drinks appear to have been the biggest beneficiaries, but sales of draught beers and spirits have been hit, with 33 per cent
reporting a drop in draught beer sales.
In answering the questionnaire licensees also noted a rise in 'circuit' drinking - with customers using the time in between pubs to have a cigarette. Of those asked, 64 per cent said they would not go back to the situation before the ban.
However, one negative came from the questionnaire, with one publican reporting a drop in gaming machine take of almost 50 per cent.
Commenting on the results, Graham Pitt, an account manager at CGA, said: "Licensees appear to have accepted the ban and had to adapt and found a bit of extra effort pays dividends, whether it be sprucing up the outside space, revamping their menu or putting on more entertainment.
"Stand still and die, or adapt and thrive seems to be a common thread in the answers."
Colin Cameron, director of the Aberdeen Excise Licence Holders Association and owner of three Aberdeen pubs, recognises the positive picture.
"It's been a success as far as I'm concerned. I was against the ban but our figures are up on last year and our customers are enjoying the smoke-free atmosphere," he admitted.
However, Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, questioned the results.
"Licensees are fairly cautious about the impact," he said.
"One big factor has been the weather. It worked to the trade's advantage in the summer, but some pubs have seen a detrimental impact in the winter months."
