Wolves and Dudley to spend £20million preparing for smoke ban

Wolverhampton and Dudley has said it will spend £20million preparing its pubs for the proposed smoke ban.

The company made the announcement as it gave its interim results.

It reported growth in turnover and operating profit in each of its brewing and pub divisions.

Wolves and Dudley, which operates the Union Pub Company, Pathfinder Pubs and W&DB Brands said profit before tax and after exceptionals was up a whopping 20% to £41million.

It also said like-for-like sales were up by 1% and the average profit per Union pub was up 4.4% in its interim results.

Chief executive Ralph Findlay, said: "These good results are the product of combining value adding acquisitions and organic development in each of our trading divisions. ​

Current trading in The Union Pub Company, Pathfinder Pubs and W&DB Brands has been satisfactory and in line with expectations."

Findlay said the company would be investing a total of £20million into its pubs to help them through the proposed smoking ban.

"In anticipation of the introduction of the proposed smoking ban in England and Wales next summer, we will have invested £8 million in patios, gardens and shelters by the end of this financial year. ​

"We have clear plans to invest a further £12 million in the next financial year, and expect to be well prepared to neutralise risks and maximise opportunities."

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