Welcome to the British Institute of Club Management

                                     Smoking Ban                                 

 

What Are You Doing About The Smoking Ban?

As you know, the potential impact for the On Trade since the Government’s decision to embrace a total smoking ban is particularly significant. It is no exaggeration to say that pubs and clubs are one of the last havens for smokers wishing to enjoy the pleasures of a “fag”, pipe or cigar and a “quiet pint”. It is for this reason that I believe that the time for action, to address the impending legislation (whenever that may be), is now.

The biggest differentiating factor between the successful and unsuccessful outlets in Ireland was the degree to which they embraced the change. Those outlets that took early measures to prepare their smoking customers experienced little or no impact upon their business. Indeed, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that their businesses actually grew, largely at the expense of those retailers who preferred to “wait and see” what happened post-ban or believed that their regular customers would remain loyal. This situation was exacerbated by a number of pubs and clubs whose premises were “landlocked”. This is to say that they had little or no land outside the premises with which to provide a smoking facility. It is in these outlets that the toughest business challenges existed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For further information or advice, please contact:-

The Route Organisation

2 Winmarleigh Street
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1NB

Tel: 0845 217 1811
Fax: 0845 217 1812
E-Mail info@routeorg.co.uk

 

1. ACT NOW

Those outlets that took early action to provide a smoking facility for their customers actually saw their trade either maintained or, in several cases, increase. Encouraging their smoking customers to use the “new” facility over a longer period of time allowed them to get used to the idea of going outside for a smoke. Thus, by the time the ban was introduced all of their existing customers were used to the practice of smoking outside.

2. CREATE THE BEST FACILITY YOU CAN

Positive marketing of the smoking facilities demonstrated to existing and new customers that they were being directly catered for and not treated like “second class citizens”.

• Pubs and clubs were all able to create a point of difference to their competitors by the quality of their smoking canopy.

• New customers actively sought out those outlets with the best facilities, evident by the new word to enter the Irish lexicon                                   “Smirting” (ie smoking and flirting!!!!).

• It is a statement of fact that the ONLY customers who will be using your smoking facilities in the middle of January will be the smokers!            THINK JANUARY NOT JULY.

• View the facility as an INVESTMENT rather than a cost. An investment in a smoking canopy can be re-coupled within a year for around                   two pints a day!!

3. FIT FOR PURPOSE

There is no point installing a facility that is not built for the main purpose for which it is required ie smoking. Many awnings and parasol manufacturers, et al, are offering products that are simply not intended to stand outside in all weathers, all year round and provide a comfortable shelter for smokers to use all day long.

• Radiant heaters are vital to provide adequate, suitable and cost effective comfort to smokers.

• Most smokers wish to enjoy their cigarette, cigar or pipe under the smoking canopy, ideally with their drink, for the duration of their smoke ie once they have finished they wish to return to the bar area.

• Providing a clean environment that is close to the main building is far more important than offering seating etc. Outlets want their customers to be comfortable but not so comfortable that they do not return to the bar as often as they might.

• This learning has been much reinforced by the recent weather. Will your smoking facility withstand the weather? Will your smoking customers feel warm and comfortable under it?

The “P” Word!

By far the most frequent question we are asked in our discussions with licensees and committee members is... “Will I need planning?” SCL have therefore sought the opinion of a (geographically) wide range of Planning Authorities, from Leeds to Cornwall, and without exception their view is that irrespective of what solution is provided for smoking it WILL require permission. As a result of this question and subsequent response SCL have decided to offer a Planning Application Service. For an agreed fee SCL will provide a full planning application service . This includes the payment of all necessary Local Authority fees; document and plans preparation/amendment as well as an AutoCad digital photo depicting the canopy in situ in the agreed location. Please note that Smoking Canopies accept no responsibility for the decisions of any Local Authorities prior to, during or after any application is submitted. The decision to apply for planning permission must therefore be entirely yours.

Smoking Canopies have listings and completed installations in a large number of multiple and independent pub and club groups including: Greene King; Assoc. Of Conservative Clubs; Punch Taverns; Enterprise Inns. The feedback we get from the licensees and committees of these groups is tremendous and clearly shows that there is a need for a solution that is specifically designed to meet the needs of the licensed trade.