Landlords rubbish smoke ban survey (From The Bolton News)

Landlords rubbish smoke ban survey

9:10am Monday 29th October 2007

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A SURVEY which claims the majority of pub bosses do not want the smoking ban to be overturned has been rubbished by landlords in Bolton.

Research by drink firm, Britvic and trade magazine, The Publican, shows 73 per cent of people surveyed said they would not back moves to reverse the controversial law.

But the findings was last night questioned by Bolton pub chiefs.

John Jewitt, landlord of The Man of Scythe in Churchgate, said: "I am amazed at the survey and I would like to see the finer details of it.

"Pubs in towns in the north of England like Bolton, which are not in the town centres, are having a rough time of it. It is affecting the level of trade.

"Personally I would not like to see the ban overturned, but I am lucky, I am in the town centre and have a beer garden. But I can't see the majority of landlords having this stance."

Chris Hayes, landlord of The Howcroft Inn in Pool Street, Bolton, said the ban had seen trade drop - despite the pub having a smoking shelter.

He said: "I disagree with the findings. This is a traditional pub, not like the bigger chain pubs and pubs which are really restaurants. Trade has fallen dramatically and the traditional pub atmosphere has gone."

Carol Bretherton, the manageress of the Ainsworth Arms in Halliwell said it was too early to say whether the smoking ban should be overturned.

She said: "Because of the mild weather smokers have gone outside and trade has been the same. We will know more once the cold weather starts."

The Publican editor Caroline Nodder said some pubs had attracted more customers, sold more soft drinks and more food because of the smoking ban.

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