Wet-led pubs at risk from smoke ban

Almost 2m adults go out less since the smoking ban, according to new consumer research conducted by Mintel.

The survey predicts a tough time ahead for wet-led pubs and bingo halls as 16% of adults say they now go out less.

Over one in five (22%) said the ban had disrupted their socialising.

"The attitudes of smokers to the ban are not as negative as they could have been,"​ said Mintel's senior leisure analyst Helen Spicer.

"But the fact that even a small percentage are going out less now will prove critical to some venues. ​

"Those that are being worst hit are bingo halls and the smaller independent, more traditional pubs because their customers are amongst those who are most likely to smoke."

Pubs​

Spicer believes the ban will have an overall positive impact on the up-market pubs, which serve food and have outdoor areas.

"For those pubs that it hasn't sounded the death knell for, the smoking ban has forced them to re-evaluate their business,"​ said Spicer.

"Although this was painful at first, in the long run it has prompted positive moves for those that could survive the initial onslaught. ​

"It has undoubtedly fuelled profitable trends such as the blurring of the lines between a pub and a coffee shop."

Bingo​

Mintel estimates that between 2007 and 2008 alone the bingo market will decline by some 12% to be worth less than £2.5bn - a sharp contrast to the 24% increase seen between 2004 and 2005.

Admissions are set to drop 8% this year and the Bingo Association fears 200 bingo clubs may close.

"As well as the smoking ban, the Gambling Act of 2005 includes licensing changes that have had a drastic affect on the market,"​ said Spicer.

"If the industry doesn't come up with new ideas, British bingo could soon be a thing of the past."​

However, the survey also reveals that the ban is having a positive impact in helping people cut down on smoking with 33% now smoking less when they are out.