Smoke-free areas 'increase business'

Every hour 13 people die in the UK from smoking-related diseases

Providing smoke-free areas in pubs and restaurants can boost trade, according to research.

A study carried out by researchers at the University of Newcastle also found that allocating space for people who do not wish to smoke does not lead to a loss in revenue or customers.

Three-quarters of businesses said it was popular with customers.

The study examined over 40 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the north east of England.

More than half of the publicans questioned said the smoke free area had boosted business and no pubs reported a decline in trade as a result of the move.

No smoking areas are more likely to increase rather than decrease trade

Dr Richard Edwards, University of Newcastle

Almost 90% of those questioned suggested that other businesses in the hospitality industry should consider providing smoke free areas for customers.

Popular

Dr Richard Edwards, of the department of epidemiology and public health at Newcastle University, said no smoking policies were more likely to attract new custom.

"This survey provides clear evidence that no-smoking policies are practical, popular with customers and profitable for publicans and other proprietors in the hospital trade.

"No smoking areas are more likely to increase rather than decrease trade."

Clive Bates, director of the campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), called on other pubs and restaurants to introduce similar policies.

"The evidence is further encouragement for publicans and other proprietors in the hospitality trade to give smoke-free areas a go."

A spokeswoman for Forest, the pro-smoking lobby group, said they supported no-smoking areas.

"We do not have anything against proprietors who designate non-smoking areas in their establishment.

"What we are against is proprietors being compelled to ban smoking. If it is left up to individual proprietors to decide then that is fine."