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| Britain |
| Smoking ban to 'benefit' pub trade (?) |
| 2004-11-14 |
| BANNING smoking in pubs, far from spelling the death knell for the drinks trade, will actually boost profits, according to a new survey. It claims that increased custom from the 'once a week' pub-goer - the largest group of pub patrons - would buoy profits. Last week the Executive outlined plans for a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places, which is likely to be enforced within 18 months. The survey from KPMG and YouGov found that regular pub-goers are unlikely to be discouraged from going to their favourite haunts as a result of any ban. More than 2,100 people took part in the survey, of whom a quarter were smokers. David Matthews, head of drinks at KPMG, said: "The key group of people within the survey is the 'once a week brigade'. Representing 56% of the survey base, they are the single largest group within the survey and thus have the most clout. "Sixty-five percent of them are in favour of a smoking ban and 29% believe they would visit pubs more often if a ban was introduced." Even when balanced against an anticipated small loss of trade amongst more regular pub-goers, this indicates that landlords and pub companies will benefit from a net increase in trade. Punters would also be inclined to spend longer in a pub, on average, per visit if smoking was outlawed. Twenty-seven percent believe they would stay in the pub longer, compared with 20% who believe their visits would be shorter because of a ban. more in the link |
| Posted by:Mark Espinola |
| #4 I read an interview with a bartender and he basically said the folks go out to smoke, and thus aren't buying as many drinks during the night. I suppose if you have an outdoor patio where they can smoke, and drink, you'll break even. But despite what the Robin Hood movies indicate it rains a bit in Britain. |
| Posted by: RJ Schwarz 2004-11-14 6:16:36 PM |
| #3 David Matthews, head of drinks at KPMG?? How do I get that job? |
| Posted by: Frank G 2004-11-14 12:06:10 PM |
| #2 I call BS. If the smoke was going to be a factor in whether one stayed or left, it would be during the first few minutes. After a couple of drinks, they could pump CS gas in there and I ain't budging. |
| Posted by: BH 2004-11-14 12:02:04 PM |
| #1 Fall off in trade in Ireland was, IIRC, about 20%, fairly shortly thereafte (have no idea what it is now). Why would Scotland be any different? I've been in a few Scottish pubs with a fug so thick it was hard to breathe. The vast majority had fine atmospheres. The Virtuous have managed to crush freedom of choice, once again. What next? |
| Posted by: Bulldog 2004-11-14 6:57:52 AM |