Everards

David Harrison

Operations director - tenanted

How many pubs do you operate?

162.

How many of those outlets are already smoke free?

Six.

How much have you invested in preparing your outlets for the ban?

An approximate investment figure of £1.6m. This figure includes everything from point-of-sale material and information packs to structural changes.

In terms of structural changes only, how much money has been invested - on

average - in each outlet?

On average, the figure is approximately £12,000.

In your view, which single outlet in the estate has made the most impressive changes? Please give details and how much the work has cost?

It's too early to tell.

What impact do you think the smoke ban will have on trade?

Again, it's too early to say - it's about making the most of the opportunities presented.

Did you set up a special team to manage the transition to go smoke-free?

Yes.

If so, when was the group established?

September 2006.

Have you produced any material

explaining the changes and circulated it around your estate?

Yes.

If yes, please give a few brief details.

We launched a guide called Springboard aimed at helping our licensees with all areas of their business, from merchandising to the food offer.

We also provided a brochure called Breath of Fresh Air, giving advice and illustrating choices with regards to enhancing outside trading areas.

Both brochures have been used in conjunction with BDMs to plan for the ban.

We have had contact with licensees on a regular basis through No Butts, a two-page flyer featuring information on legislation, progress throughout the estate, helpful hints and tips, reports on the effect the ban has had in Scotland, and so forth.

Did you have a team of advisers visiting pubs to advise on the legislation and help them find a suitable solution?

Yes.