Regent Inns

Simon Kaye

Commercial director

How many pubs do you operate?

100.

How many of those outlets are already smoke-free?

10.

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

£1.2m.

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

The Walkabout, Brighton. With a spend of around £50,000 to provide the best outside area in Brighton, changes include:

l The proposed construction of a canopy above the front entrance to provide shelter for customers smoking at the front of the venue, which we are awaiting planning permission for.

l The upgrade of the existing garden to provide decking with a roof section that will cater for more than 100 people.

l Fitting a plasma screen, and upgrading the lighting and speaker system in the covered garden area so smokers can still enjoy the match.

l Installing heaters that are thermostatically and infra-red controlled so they only come on when people are near.

l Ashtrays have been fitted outside the building and internal signage has been put up to make customers aware of the smoking facilities.

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

We do not anticipate any significant impact in drink sales at our Walkabout, Bar Risa and Jongleurs venues because these venues are entertainment led. The removal of smoke will help further accelerate our food sales in these venues and at our Old Orleans restaurants.

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

Yes.

If so, when was the group established?

October 2006.

Have you produced any material explaining the changes and circulated it around your estate?

Yes.

If yes, please give a few brief details.

Training presentation folders and posters.

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

We consulted with our existing contract teams.