Times survey says ban smoke now

According to a survey of 100 pubs by the Times newspaper, outlets which have already banned smoking have seen profits rise by an average of 50 per cent.

The paper says between 5 and 10 per cent of pubs in England and Wales have banned smoking ahead of the ban and are 'reaping the benefits'.

Terry Shears, owner of The Gate Inn in Atherstone, Warwickshire, told the paper: "We've gone from selling four to eight meals a night up to 90 meals a night.​

"Sales have rocketed and it's a cleaner and nicer place to be. I'd recommend the change to anyone."

Too many people are looking at the smoking ban as a threat, but we know this is a huge opportunity​Francis Patton, Punch Taverns customer services director.

Punch Taverns, which has more than 9,000 pubs, started to introduce no-smoking zones nearly three years ago and now has 70 outlets are non-smoking.

Francis Patton, Punch Taverns customer services director, told the Times: "Too many people are looking at the smoking ban as a threat, but we know this is a huge opportunity.​

"The smoking ban is a great opportunity to get new customers into pubs and also to keep people there who go regularly."

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