26 June 2006
Scotland has now been smoke-free in enclosed public places for three months. Whilst it is still too early to produce definite results, all the indicators point to the measure being a great success. There have been few problems implementing the new law and a reported surge in the number of people trying to improve their health by quitting smoking. It would also appear that many pubs and licensed venues in Scotland have seen many new customers using their businesses now the smoke has cleared.
This is quite contrary to the doom-laden predictions of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association who teamed up with the tobacco industry last year to oppose smoke-free public places in Scotland.
What the SLTA said last year
What's actually happened?
The evidence from publicans across Scotland shows how wide of the mark the SLTA was:
Tim Clarke, Chief Executive of Mitchells and Butlers, which operates around 100 Scottish pubs said,
"Although it's early days, with only seven weeks of trading since the smoking ban Scotland has continued to generate good sales growth, with same-outlet like-for-like sales up 5.8% for that period."(2)
A spokesman for Punch Taverns, which manages or leases 520 pubs in Scotland, said,
"The initial indications in terms of trading are positive as there has been no significant impact on sales since the smoking ban. There is evidence that post-ban we have attracted new customers to our pubs, with a growth in food sales."(3)
A spokesperson for Enterprise Inns, which owns 139 outlets throughout the country, said they were pleased with how they were performing in the wake of the ban. Drinkers were accepting the ban and their licensees were optimistic about the opportunities it gave them to develop their businesses. The average earnings per pub for Enterprise Inns rose from £29,600 last year to £31,200 this year.(4)
J D Wetherspoon's which runs 38 pubs in Scotland has seen an increase in sales. Finance Director Jim Clarke said,
"We've not really seen any difference in trade. Our conclusion is - good start, but still too early to judge."(5)
Colin Cameron, President of the Aberdeen Excise License Holders Association said,
"To some extent I would admit that I was wrong. I did feel it would have a significant impact"(6) I have spoken to a number of people over the past few weeks and from the first day it was introduced we really haven't noticed a major, or even a minor, reduction in trade. If anything there's been a slight increase, probably from non-smokers who are staying longer in pubs."(7)
George Wyatt, Chairman of the Aberdeen Excise License Holders Association said,
"There has been very little change to trade so far. Takings are generally not down and staff are a lot happier."(8)
Sheena Thomson, Vice-President of the Dundee Licensed Trade Association said,
"Overall it has been surprisingly good because I did not expect the transition to be as easy as it's been - it has been quite painless really."(9)
Belhaven, the Scottish brewers recently taken over by Greene King, were one of the leading opponents of smoke-free legislation. Greene King has commented that it was pleased with Belhaven's trading since the smoking ban was introduced as there had been an increase in the sale of beer. (10)
The air has cleared, the results are good
Maureen Moore, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland said,
"The SLTA made a huge mistake in teaming up with the Tobacco Manufacturers Association, Imperial Tobacco and FOREST. They were so desperate to stop Scotland going smoke-free they teamed up with the last people on Earth you would trust to make health a priority. Going smoke-free has been excellent for Scotland. Good for health and good for business."
ENDS
For more comment and information please phone ASH Scotland on: 0131 225 4725 or 07773 351878 outside office hours.
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