Birmingham pub bosses say smoking ban is killing business

Birmingham pub bosses say smoking ban is killing business
Nov 21 2007

Worried pub landlords today claimed Birmingham was at risk of being "wiped off" the entertainment map as revellers turn their backs on the city's pubs, clubs and bars. Some blame the demise on the smoking ban, others claim high rents are forcing businesses out. Birmingham Mail Chief Reporter EMMA CULLWICK investigates.

WHEN Debbie Pardoe converted her tanning salon into a bar in Birmingham's Gay Village five years ago, business boomed and she declared it the best decision she had ever made.

But now Debbie says trade at Equator, in Hurst Street, is diminishing and she's blaming it on the smoking ban introduced in England on July 1.

"The whole of the Gay Village is struggling," she said.

"The area is really quiet, it's like someone killed off Birmingham and wiped it off the map. We're starting to think it must be because of the smoking ban.

"I'm breaking even and paying my bills but who knows how bad it will get as the winter sets in."

She said the real impact of the smoking ban has not been reported because pubs and clubs fear painting an honest picture puts even more revellers off.

"The Government said that the ban would encourage more non-smokers to go out, but I haven't found that's the case at all," added Ms Pardoe, who is a non-smoker.

"The Government really needs to have a re-think on the ban, it's about time people stood up and started fighting against it."

She said the city council should offer financial help to bars facing big outlays to create outdoor areas for smokers.

Andy King, owner of The Fox, in the Gay Village's Lower Essex Street, added: "The ban has killed the atmosphere of many pubs. My beer garden could be packed out while there's nobody inside the pub.

"I'm not a smoker but I think we should be able to decide if we are a smoking or non-smoking pub, then it's down to the customers to decide where they go."

Pat Lilly, owner of Angels in Hurst Street, added: "Instead of going out, friends take it in turns to go around each other's houses where they won't be told that they can't smoke."

Martyn Gittins, a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator in Harborne, said the smoking ban was also hitting pubs along the village's High Street.

"I've being speaking to landlords in Harborne and many have expressed worries about how the smoking ban is hitting trade," he said.

"Four pubs have already closed in the area since the ban was introduced and it's only a matter of time before more follow. I'm not a smoker but I can see how the ban is having a detrimental effect. Bad laws generate bad outcomes."

Paul Hooper, the Department of Health's tobacco policy manager for the West Midlands, said: "I think to blame the new law for a lack of trade is a bit unfair but it could be true in some places.

"Smoking is particularly prevalent amongst the gay community, but several projects have been working with that community to try and help those who want to give up. The law's about protecting health."


Birmingham mail