Ventilation is key regardless of ban, says pubs boss

Related tags Thermodynamics Hvac Bar Tony brookes

Air quality and effective ventilation will be important regardless of what sort of smoking ban is introduced, according to Tony Brookes, managing...

Air quality and effective ventilation will be important regardless of what sort of smoking ban is introduced, according to Tony Brookes, managing director of the Head of Steam group.

He believes it is essential to continue to invest in the air quality of venues to ensure customers are kept comfortable.

Tony said the natural reaction of many pub companies will be to suspend plans for improving air quality because "it won't be necessary" after smoking is banned.

However, he argues that it will be essential to continue to invest in venues' air quality as they are "hot, sweaty trading environments" and customers deserve the optimum environment available.

"In the new regime, where all pubs will lose trade and many will go to the wall, it will be even more important to give customers the best environment possible - to show them you care," he said.

"This will get them to come to your pub in favour of the one down the road that may be cutting prices madly."

Head of Steam's Tilleys Bar, at Westgate Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has just had a new ventilation system fitted. It brings in fresh air from outside and heats it or or cools it to the appropriate temperature for the time of year or volume of customers.

The company has major ventilation schemes planned at its two other Newcastle pubs - the Head Of Steam in Neville Street and the Cluny in Lime Street, Ouseburn.

Pictured: the Cluny's extraction system is to be replaced by a modern, smaller and more efficient one.

Related topics Property law

Property of the week

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more