Industry figures predict future of the trade post-ban

Anita Adams, licensee, Golden Slipper, York

"It will be difficult for licensees because some people are still going to be defiant. It will take some time before the full ramifications come into being.

"With smoking still being a legal activity, once again licensees are being asked to act as the police and it's yet another job that we will all have to cope with on top of everything else.

"I don't smoke myself, but it's the principle that I disagree with."

Carol Cadwallader, licensee, the Spring Inn, Rochdale, Lancashire​

"A lot of our customers have already given up - even the ones that have been smoking for a long time. Trade will drop off for the first six weeks, but once the weather picks up people won¹t mind going outdoors for a cigarette. Winter will obviously be the tester.

"Overall we are positive about the ban, we decided a long time ago there was no point in opposing it, so we have embraced it by gradually making areas of the pub smoke-free."

Ted Tuppen, chief executive, Enterprise Inns ​

"I don't believe the brave new world of pubs is just going to be all about food. If you are the best pub in an area with a fabulous reputation for serving cask ale then don¹t spoil your reputation by serving average food. If you are going to do food to counteract the effects of the effects of the ban just like everything else you should focus on quality.

"Licensees are once again being offered a challenge and the best licensees in the best pubs will be successful."

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association ​

"The ban will hit beer sales. But there will be people coming to try pubs for the first time in a long time and it will be an opportunity for pubs to impress people with what they have to offer.

"Pubs have been adapting a lot already anyway. The biggest difference for new customers will be the extent of the food offering. In the long term I'm positive, but it won't be easy in the short term and that's the message I've been getting over to the Department of Health."

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations​

"A lot of licensees are glad, but there are a lot worried about their future because they are limited by what they can do. The first few months should be OK because of the weather. But what licensees have got to try to do is make sure they get their customers used to going outside to smoke. Overall, we have to be positive and accept what is happening. However, where licensees are affected by the ban we will be asking landlords to give them some financial assistance."

Giles Thorley, chief executive, Punch Taverns​

"The first six months are going to be a bit challenging. While many pubs are well prepared, I don¹t think some are as prepared as they should be.

"Customers will find it a very positive experience as pubs have been preparing by cleaning themselves up. I have been positive all along about the ban and things will be generally better. Quality will be the key measure over the next few years."

John Grogan MP, chairman, All-party Parliamentary Beer Group​

"Evidence from Scotland and Ireland suggests we will see a small drop in beer sales and a rise in food sales. In some pubs sales will pick up, but it¹s up to pubs to market themselves to a new demographic. The greatest challenges will be for pubs in low-income areas. I am positive about the ban; the alternative with exemptions for wet-led pubs and private clubs would have led to a distorted market."

Nick Bish, chief executive Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers​

"There will be an initial surge with people going to see pubs in a way they have never seen them before. But then there will be a dip, especially for community pubs, which we have seen everywhere else. Hopefully this dip will be as short as possible and pubs will return to previous levels or even climb above them in some cases. One has to be realistic and pubs have to deserve their custom."