Beat the rush for outdoor furniture

Licensees thinking of buying extra furniture for outdoor areas prior to the smoking ban are being urged to get in quick.

Manufacturers and suppliers are expecting to see a significant surge in demand for products as the ban approaches.

With the law taking effect in the middle of summer, many licensees are hoping to cash in on extra usage of outdoor areas.

But Gloucestershire-based manufacturer Lamata, which produces aluminium tables and chairs, teak tables and parasols, is encouraging people to start planning as soon as possible.

"Those businesses that plan ahead are less likely to lose out," said Kelvin Bennett, managing director of Lamata.

"A key element is to prepare your premises by creating an outdoor smoking area that is attractive and protected from the elements.

"All-weather seating is not expensive to install and is durable and almost maintenance free. We've introduced new styles and a new price range to anticipate increased demands from licensed premises as the ban approaches."

Meanwhile, Melanie Suggett, marketing manager at Indigo Shading Solutions, which supplies furniture, parasols and awnings to pubs, said the company is starting to see an uplift in sales. "Some people are ordering as part of a package, but obviously it's dependent on their budget," she said.

The company has also taken orders from a number of bigger pubcos that are buying up stock in bulk for their pubs.

But Melanie added: "I think there will be a last-minute rush as well though, and people will start thinking about buying more seriously when the weather is getting better."