Robinson's provides smoke-ban backing
Northern brewer Frederic Robinson plans a package of support to help licensees combat the worst effects of next summer's smoking ban.
The Stockport-based company is nearing completion of a major audit of its 408-strong pub estate which will enable it to prioritise houses where it expects trade to be worst-hit.
Our approach will not involve us paying outright for pub schemes and then jacking rents up accordingly. Brewery director William Robinson.
It is also contacting councils to establish an early dialogue with those who will police the new ban.
Robinson's has already been approached by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, which wants it to help with a consultation exercise regarding the legislation.
Brewery director William Robinson said that talks would be held with licensees to ascertain what would be needed for each pub.
It is likely the company will offer tenants a broad package of support, including favourable supply deals for equipment to provide the amenities.
He added: "Our approach will not involve us paying outright for pub schemes and then jacking rents up accordingly.
"We do not think this is necessarily the best way forward so we will be negotiating bulk discount on supplies and helping licensees with installation of the facilities they have opted for."
The Robinson's estate comprises a mix of town and suburban pubs where it fears the ban will have the biggest effect. The brewer also operates a large number of food-led rural houses, but these will not be as badly hit.
Robinson went on: "We envisage a huge variety of different schemes, ranging from simple outside awnings to large £30,000-type projects."
"Almost all of our pubs have adjoining land or smaller areas where it will be possible to create smoking facilities, so in that respect, we are not too badly off," he added.
The company also operates a small estate of 36 pubs in North Wales which come under legislation drafted by the Welsh Assembly.
"We were relieved to hear that the Welsh proposals don't greatly differ from the English guidelines," Robinson said.
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Your CommentsRobert Feal-Martinez via email, 09/08/2006Perhaps Mr Ronbinson should re-consider where he spends his money. If Freedom to Choose win as we expect to, all those Pubco's who have spent vast sums of money, because they didn't have the stomach to fight the Government, or more importantly were bought off, by HMG, will be at a disadvatage. Those that have stood back from the perceived abyss and have had faith in the Truth will not have spent tens of thousands and will still have their customers. So Mr Robinson give Freedom to Choose some of your money, like an ever growing number of Licensee's. I've banked another £700 today.
Alastair Elliot via email, 10/08/2006Mr Robinson should certainly take Roberts advice, spend your money wisely and send to the Judicial Review fund to maintain CHOICE & FREEDOM.
