Parliament smoke ban protest march
A Reading licensee plans to organise a march on Parliament in protest at the smoking ban, which has seen trade at her pub nosedive by 40%.
Host Jo Oakley, who runs the Red Lion at Mortimer West End, says business has collapsed despite the majority of her sales coming from food.
The Hall & Woodhouse tenant revealed even a new smoking shelter complete with patio heaters had failed to stop customers deserting the pub.
We lost business from day one when the ban came in last July and have struggled ever sinceJo OakleyRed Lion
Trade is down by an average £1,000 on some days but the worst drop was on Sundays where takings have plummeted as much as £1,600.
"We lost business from day one when the ban came in last July and have struggled ever since," said Oakley.
"The hope was our food trade would increase but the non smokers we expected have not materialised.
"Our food to wet trade ratio is 60-40 so we thought we might be the sort of pub which could do well from the ban but its not worked out like this.
"Customers will not stay in the smoking shelter because they say the wind makes it uncomfortable."
Three members of staff at the pub have already been laid off and now Oakley is even considering closing some days.
"A lot of other pubs in the area are suffering so I want to organise a protest march where we can all voice our disgust about what has happened.
"I will be inviting anyone else who objects to this law to join in."
Oakley said the isolated location of the Red Lion meant smoking customers were obviously finding new venues nearer their homes.
"Its just too far for them to make the effort but the absence of new non smoking customers is what has really baffled me."
Anyone who wants to join the march can call Oakley on 0118 970 0169.
