When the smoking ban was first introduced, we were told that it would save thousands of lives by reducing the amount of second-hand smoke in enclosed public places.

For once, it seems our government has got something right, as after just three months, studies showed that bar, pub and restaurant staff’s exposure to second-hand smoke had dropped by 95 percent, with the air being more similar to that outside. Their yearly dose of second hand smoke also dropped from 190 cigarettes to just 44. Even the amount of recorded heart attacks in England has fallen by three per cent since the ban was introduced.

So there’s no doubt the ban is saving lives, but what about livelihoods?

It has become a tradition, a pastime, a habit, for a smoker to enjoy a nice, sociable cold pint and a ciggie down at the pub. For some, the two go together like milk in tea – take one element away and it is no longer enjoyable.

Add to the brew the sharp rise in alcohol duty (thank you very much Mr. Darling), and competitively low supermarket price tags, and is it any wonder that smokers have begun to boycott the local pub in favour of a quiet drink and a smoke in the comfort of their own home.

Last year 1,409 pubs went out of business, and when you contrast that with only 216 in 2006, it’s easy to point an exasperated finger at the smoking ban. But there is more than just one factor attributing to the staggering amount of closures.

Rob Hayward, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, agrees: “Britain’s pubs are grappling with spiralling costs, sinking sales, fragile consumer confidence and the impact of the smoking ban,” he claims. “A vital part of the British economy and social life is under the most severe strain it has faced for decades.”

Last summer’s torrential rain, flooding and lack of European or World Cup football, caused a washout in the beer sales department, contributing to a six percent fall in alcohol sales over the last 12 months.

But it’s the tenanted pubs and freehouses who have struggled to provide adequate and attractive outdoor areas, that have been the hardest hit. Begrudged smokers are invariably reduced to standing outside in the rain, while unsuspecting barmaids clear half-drunk pints from their unattended tables.

The past year has been undoubtedly bleak for the British pub industry, and some say the future looks much the same if the food crisis continues to bump up costs, further taxes on alcohol are introduced, and the credit crunch cloud persists to prevent establishments from creating outdoor smoking areas.

Is there a light (excuse the pun) at the end of the tunnel?

Most other countries that implemented the ban well before we did, are reporting rising sales. Ireland introduced their legislation in March 2004, and although the pub industry also suffered during its first year, it began to level out after the first 12 months, and saw a year-on-year growth after a further six.

Italy introduced the ban in January 2005, and has since reported that 83 per cent of people still enjoy going out for a drink.

In light of these figures, I asked Mr. Hayward if he thought there was any hope left for our dying industry.

“A turnaround is certainly possible,” he enthused. “In Ireland, sales fell by seven per cent in the immediate aftermath of the ban. As we predicted, something very similar has happened here, and recovery, if achieved, will take time. Those that innovate will reap the reward of bringing in new customers. Many pubs are doing this already, with revamped food offers, new coffee machines, and investment in attractive outside spaces.”

British pubcos may have had a rocky year too, but are now reporting an increase in trade. They’ve dealt with the changes by increasing their food menus, tapping into a market of diners that were previously put off by cigarette smoke.

A survey of Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) members for the Morning Advertiser, found that 29 percent of businesses have seen a six percent rise in food sales since the ban.

Nick Bish, Chief Exec for ALMR, told the MA: “Food-led pubs are stable or showing marginal improvement as people stay longer, and the family trade has probably gone up.”

Lets hope the obesity epidemic doesn’t become worse, or a ban on pub grub really will spell the end for an industry on the edge.

Are you a bartender and have benefited from the smoke-free atmosphere, or a landlord whose had to watch your pub go under? We'd love to hear from you. Add a comment to this blog and click here.

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