Your chance to shape the smoking ban concessions

Together we are aiming to build up a picture of what concessions pubs and clubs want ahead of the smoking ban to enable them to ride out the storm when the ban is introduced.

Publican readers are being urged to fill out a detailed survey (see link on right) and send it back to a Freepost address as soon as possible.

The survey will also be highlighted in Club Mirror next week and the title's sister magazine Club House, which is distributed to golf clubs across the country.

The Publican's editor Caroline Nodder said: "Evidence in Ireland and elsewhere shows the pubs that are hardest hit by a smoke ban are those that can least afford the downturn in trade - the small community locals.

"Likewise working men's clubs also fall into this category and that is why we are delighted to be linking up with Club Mirror to gather the views of licensees on the ground so that they can be fed back to the government."

Club Mirror publishing director Sean Ferris added: "It's our job as the industry magazine of 38 years' standing to act as a voice for the club sector.

"By joining forces with The Publican, we aim to bring pressure to bear on those responsible for providing the guidelines."

MPs are due to debate the details of the smoking ban, included in the Health Bill, next Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Publican will be feeding the views of licensees into a meeting with MPs. Watch this space for how you can get involved.