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.
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