Focus on smoking shelters

Pub companies and licensees between them have been forced to think long and hard about how to retain and accommodate their smoking customers.

For some it has been an opportunity to spruce up an entire outdoor area, while for others it has just involved the installation of a bespoke smoking solution.

Suppliers of these "smoking solutions", such as canopies and umbrellas, have undoubtedly benefited - with pubcos spending millions of pounds adapting their outlets.

Here we look three examples of where an outdoor area has been adapted to cope with the ban and get the licensees' view on how they have gone down with customers…

Hare & Hounds, Osterley, Middlesex At this attractive countryside pub owner Fuller's has spent £40,000 on providing an impressive outside shelter which does more than just keep smokers dry. "It's really helped our food sales," says manager Oliver Warne. "When it's sunny people like to go under it, but also when the weather is unpredictable it's useful. People love it - it's a feature that draws comment and you can see it from the side of the road."

Oliver explains that the idea came about after seeing a similar structure in a bar in Glasgow. "We contacted the company that installed it and they tailored something for us," he says. George Inn, Leeds

This Shepherd Neame-owned pub boasts of having a "smoke-easy" outside - a covered area with heaters that can be used for drinking, dining and smoking, whatever the weather.

Licensee Jenny Griffiths, who runs the pub with her husband Geoff, says they viewed the ban as chance to move things on.

"We viewed the ban as an opportunity to add to the space we had available, with more space for all our customers to enjoy," she says. "It looks really smart and people are always outside with their drinks and food making the most of it," said Jenny.

And rather than getting down in the dumps about the ban, the couple decided to get on the front foot - which has paid off.

"We're positive about the smoking ban and that's rubbed off on our customers. They've been very accepting of it and the business is still growing," said Jenny. "We've made it clear from the start that the pub will continue to be a place where everyone can have a pint and a good time."

Jenny adds: "I think the smoke-free pub is a more appealing place to work. It is also a safer environment, as the total absence of cigarettes inside reduces the risk of fire."Coach and Horses, Flintshire, North Wales

At the Coach and Horses, licensee Julian Lloyd Roberts has done plenty of what he refers to as "outside the box" thinking. This has included building two smoking shelters with wi-fi internet access, iPod docks and walkie talkies so bar orders can be placed.

The Punch lessee has seen trade improve, but that's after a £30,000 re-fit on the pub and £12,000 spent on the smoking solutions.

Julian says: "I'm a smoker myself so I wanted to do something that would still retain my smoking customers. These multi-functional pods have gone down an absolute storm."