Handy hints for revamps

1. Review the entire outside trading area

Some of the big pub companies reported that revamping gardens increased turn-over. Wolverhampton & Dudley spent £4m

developing 200 beer gardens and patios in its managed pubs, leading to a 5% sales rise last year. A decent and attractive outside area is a lucrative move, with or without a smoke ban.

2. Introduce a ban early

Before the national stub-out comes into force next summer, help customers become accustomed to the idea in plenty of time by

dealing with moans and groans now and installing an external structure where customers can smoke in comfort. There will be a surge in demand for structures as the smoking ban approaches, so it pays to beat the rush.

3. Take time to research smoking structures

Plenty of options are available, from umbrellas and parasols to larger, wooden structures. Don't just take the obvious route, but evaluate all the options.

4. Choose structures to reflect existing surroundings

A covered wooden pergola may be a more appropriate option than a giant umbrella in a rural area, while an aluminium-framed

structure with stainless-steel restraining wires would be much more suitable for an urban outlet.

5. Consider non-smoking customers

Some operators' first knee-jerk reaction is to erect something quickly to cater for

smokers. In Ireland, pubs providing decent outside areas found that many non-smokers enjoyed the outside experience. It is therefore important to provide comfortable, heated areas for everyone - don't just stick a tent up and put some ashtrays in it.

6. Time developments carefully

The ideal time for any pub to undertake major external developments is through autumn and into winter. This is a good time to start to avoid disrupting trade during the busy summer months.

7. Start doing simple things now

Provide covered, lit and heated structures for eating and drinking that can be adapted when the ban is implemented - for example, erect single umbrellas that can be linked together or adapted to offer a sheltered smoking area.

8. Work the outside trading area as hard as the inside

Make sure staff pay attention to alfresco patrons - collect glasses and empty ashtrays regularly. This encourages smokers and non-smokers to choose your pub in preference to others. It may also be worth adapting the offer to cater for your outside customers - for example, table service can boost sales.

9. Maintain outside structures in good order

An expensive refurbishment definitely deserves to be preserved - make sure the revamped area is kept clean, tidy and in tip-top condition. Depending on the nature of the outside area, this may include being prepared to mow the lawn, replace old furniture,

re-paint or re-varnish structures or power-wash decking.

10. Don't panic

There is still plenty of time left to prepare

your pub before the smoking ban comes

into force. Planning ahead will help to reduce anxiety.