Businesses split over smoking ban

Jun 28 2007

CITY businesses are divided on the effects that the ban will have on trade.

While a number of pubs and restaurants have reported a rise in custom by going smoke-free, some city drinking holes are still worried the ban could hit profits.

The Shakespeare pub, in Lower Temple Street, was one of the first to go smoke-free in November 2004 after requests from customers.

Assistant manager Ed Vittery, aged 22, said: "Trade really picked up after we went smoke-free but we were in a unique position because we were one of the first, so some pubs may still see a decline.

"Everyone says there is a much more pleasant atmosphere. Pubs that have an outside area will have a big advantage but places that are underground or with no garden could suffer."

But Lawrence Bates, manager of the Bordesley Working Men's Club on Whitmore Road, is expecting a 20 per cent loss on profits.

He said: "Around 60 per cent of our members are smokers and even the non-smokers are against the ban but we cannot do anything about it. They are not happy because they are being dictated to."

Harmuj Ali, aged 44, is manager of the Balti Hut restaurant in Pershore Road and banned smoking in April. He said it had not impacted on trade.