NI: 7% of pubs expected to close
Around 7% of Northern Ireland's pubs and bars are expected to close in the next two years as the smoking ban continues to bite.
On the anniversary of the ban, the Federation of Retail Licensed Trade (FRLT) said that Northern Ireland had lost 7% of its pubs and bars in the last two years – a figure it predicts will be repeated.
"The much anticipated rush of non-smokers coming out to pubs has failed to materialise," said FRLT chief executive Stephen Kelly.
"The smoking ban has accelerated the decline in th on-trade and increased the shift to the off-trade."
However, Kelly said that some operators had reported trade up by as much as 30%.
"Premises that planned well, put on a god quality food offer and entertainment have made it a success.
"Some have really upped their game but they were lucky as well.
"It was like they had won the lottery because they had the space to provide for smokers and the right demographic to attract."
Fines
Just over 130 people have been fined for smoking in public spaces – the majority of which went to drivers of work vehicles.
Around 1,500 warnings were given to premises following thousands of inspections.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "When at work and out socialising, we are no longer exposed to toxic second hand smoke – smoke that contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which cause cancer, from which we previously had little or no protection."
To Comment: Login or Register