Mike Benner, chief executive, Campaign for Real Ale

What are the upsides of the ban?

Pubs smell, look and feel cleaner. No one really liked smoke in pubs, even the smokers. The ban has driven operators to reassess the pub experience and this has, of course, led to improved amenities, in outside areas, kitchens and menus.

What are the downsides?

In the early days too many pubs had this odd, unpleasant smell — a mixture of dirty carpets, pipe cleaner and fried food. Many, particularly smaller community pubs, have suffered heavily. Some smokers will be visiting less or not staying as long. It's also true that some pubs have kind of lost their unique atmosphere following the ban, but this is really a nostalgic view. I also believe that money invested in "smoking solutions" could have been much better used in other ways. In most cases, it would have been better spent on improving the amenity or décor.

Do you think, overall, the ban has been good for the trade?

In the short term the ban has not been good for the trade as it came at a time of real pressure upon licensees — the industry is struggling for a number of reasons. In the long term, however, it will be good for the trade and for society as a whole. It will no longer be a barrier to visiting pubs and it has opened the market up to older people and families with young children.

Was the Government right to say pubs would benefit from the ban?

No. The ban has made it even more difficult for some struggling licensees to compete in their communities and continue to provide the essential amenity that only comes from pubs. We also proposed that for smaller community pubs, which would struggle in the first months, there should be some method of Government financial support.