Study shows pub takings up by 7% when no-smoking areas introduced
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| Press Release 23rd November 1999 Embargo: 00:01 | ASH |
Study shows pubs takings up by 7% when no-smoking areas introduced andcustomers think it's a good idea
A new study of the economic impact of introducing no-smoking areas inpubs shows it to be good for business, with takings up by sevenpercent on average. Customers surveys also showed that pub-goersoverwhelmingly supported the move -- 74% of those surveyed said is wasa ‘very good' or ‘good' idea. The study focused on pilot no-smokingareas in 10 pubs in Staffordshire. It was organised by SouthStaffordshire Smoke-Free Alliance and launched jointly with ASH at apub in London today.
ASH Director Clive Bates said: "This study provides clear evidencethat smoke free areas are good for business. No-smoking areas are thenext profitable trend in pubs."
"Landlords are understandably nervous about changing the formula theyoffer the customer and we hope this will boost their confidence to putin a no-smoking area if they can. It should make good business senseto provide decent facilities for the two thirds of adults that don'tsmoke." said Bates.
"Just under a year ago, the pub industry signed up to a Public PlacesCharter which promised to improve conditions for non-smokers. Withthis sort of evidence ASH is pressing the industry to move on fromtalking and to start delivering on its commitments." said Bates.
Bates stressed that: "We are not taking a health message to the pubsand restaurants or lecturing anybody. This is about the business ofcatering well for the customers that don't smoke. This work shows thatno-smoking provision in pubs and restaurants is practical goodbusiness"
There is a lot of middle ground between a total ban on smoking and noprovision at all for non-smokers. Pubs can try a small no-smokingarea, or even make the no-smoking area policy flexible so that theirpolicy suits the time of day and ‘flows' of the business. The researchreleased today from Smoke Free Staffordshire Alliance, as well as ASH's recent ‘Bad for Business?' report will help publicans by showingwhat has already been achieved in practice by successful pubs.
Press Conference: 9.30 am 23rd November 1999, Hamilton Hall Pub,Liverpool St Station, EC2. The report will be released at the pressconference.
Notes to the Editor
What do people think is right?
The Office for National Statistics conducts polling on public attitudes to smoking. The picture is as follows (1997 data):
|
| Smoking status | |||
| Percent agreeing that smoking should be restricted... | Current smoker | Ex-smoker | Never smoked | All adults |
| ...at work | 69 | 86 | 92 | 84 |
| ...in restaurants | 69 | 88 | 93 | 85 |
| ...in pubs | 24 | 57 | 64 | 51 |
| ...in other public places | 70 | 86 | 89 | 85 |
Freeth S. Office of National Statistics, Smoking-related behaviour andattitudes, 1997. The Stationary Office, 1998.
Visit: www.ash.org.uk
| Contact | Clive Bates, Director | (0207) 739 5902 |
| Heather Temperton, Lead Researcher | 01785 220977 x 5953 |
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