At least local authorities aren't involved. That ray of comf
From 2008, pubs can't offer food and the chance to smoke. It'll force them to drop one or the other a difficult decision for the thousands somewhere in the middle of the gastro-boozer spectrum and they're bound to lose regulars either way. They'll also have to find enough chefs and kitchen staff, if they tip that way, which won't be easy.
Far better if pubs could still have offered customers the best of both worlds. That's what they've been working towards, with ventilation and segregated areas, and it's made them far pleasanter, more inclusive establishments. The trade should have been granted more time to finish the job. But passive smoking has blocked off that route: Government is unconvinced smoke drift can be safely contained, however good the equipment. Game over, Ted Tuppen and the Charter Group.
Breathing more easily if that's the expression are the wet, smokers' pubs. Miraculously, they've escaped the nightmare of a ban. All they must fear now is a resurgence in working men's clubs, where members can eat, smoke and drink as much as their hearts will stand.
But smoking dens are not the future of the trade. Families, food, decent surroundings, and choice are the bigger picture. And as smoking rates decline and the faster the better more and more pubs will want to focus on healthier lifestyles.
That's the future. Getting there over the next decade or so is hard. Developing gardens and unenclosed outside areas which perhaps as many as 75% of pubs could do will help (thank you, these days, global warming). Asking customers what they'd like is worth a try. Your BDM might even have a thought. Other than that, it's like it's always been down to you and your gut instinct.
