Shepherd Neame

George Barnes

Property & tenanted trade director

How many pubs do you operate?

378.

How many of those outlets are already smoke free?

12.

How much have you invested in

preparing your outlets for the ban?

We are investing approximately £3m in our pub estate to prepare for the ban. This is an ongoing

process and we hope to have completed work on 200 outlets

by 1 July and a further 50 by September.

In terms of structural changes only, how much money has been invested - on average - in each outlet?

£10,000.

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?

The Sun Inn, Faversham. The introduction of a "Smoke Easy" coincided with the garden's redevelopment. A pagoda made from aged oak was erected at the back of the pub, close to the rear entrance. Climbers have taken hold as the garden has matured, reducing the impact of the new structure, allowing it to blend in with the historic pub.

Customers are protected from the elements by canvas

canopies and timed heaters. The work was completed at the end of 2006 at a cost of £15,000.

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

Shepherd Neame's pubs pride themselves on their

individuality, character and heritage. We are not simply erecting quick-fix solutions or temporary structures. Our objective is to turn our gardens into attractive outside spaces, sympathetic to their surroundings.

By considering all our customers' needs and effectively taking the pub environment outside, we're fully prepared for the ban.

The 1 July heralds a new era for customers and employees, where people will notice a fresh, clean atmosphere. However, pubs will remain the number one place for people to socialise and relax in the UK, enjoying excellent beer, locally-sourced food, a convivial environment and community events.

Did you set up a special team to manage the transition to go smoke-free? If so, when was the group established?

March 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 have produced two issues of Inside Out, an A4 leaflet

clarifying the regulations for consumers and informing them on how Shepherd Neame's investment in Smoke Easys will ensure a comfortable environment for smokers and non-smokers alike, following the introduction of the ban. The leaflet includes case studies on Smoke Easys and is light-hearted in tone.

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

Yes.