UK: CAMRA's National Executive meets media and local drinkers on first day of smoking ban

On the day the smoking ban is introduced in England, members of the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Executive will be available to talk to the press and public on the effect of the ban and the future for pubs, according to the organization’s press room, June 28

The National Executive is the elected decision making body for the 87,000 strong consumer organisation. On the day of one of the most significant changes to England’s pubs in recent times, members of the National Executive will be on hand at the Belvedere pub, 8 Sugnall Street, Liverpool, to discuss CAMRA’s ideas for what the future of the industry will hold.

A recent survey by the Campaign for Real Ale revealed the public’s attitudes to the forthcoming smoking ban in England.

The sample survey’s key findings indicated that:

- 6.2 million people (17% of all adults in England and Wales) who visit pubs regularly are likely to visit pubs more often. Of that group 97% were non-smokers.

- 840,000 people who currently never go to a pub said they will after the smoking ban. Added to the figure for people who currently visit regularly that is a total of 7,040,000 people who will visit pubs more often.

- 93% of real ale drinkers said they would be more likely to visit pubs more often or that their visiting habits would not be changed by the ban.

- 68% of regular smokers say it will not change their pub visiting habits at all.

- 69% of all adults said it would not affect their visits to pubs at all, only 3% said they would not visit pubs at all as a result of the ban.

- Smokers are typically lager drinkers (43% of lager drinkers said they smoke).

CAMRA National Chairman Paula Waters said: “CAMRA believes that the future for pubs lies in offering the public an experience beyond simply a place to have a drink and a smoke. Our research has shown that non-smokers will be attracted to pubs after the ban comes into force, and many of them would like to find a real ale waiting for them when they get there. Striving to offer a pleasant and memorable experience for everyone who walks through the door of a pub will mean there is no reason why there should be any drop in trade in the long term.”

“The National Executive of CAMRA welcomes the chance to speak to members of the press and public on this exciting issue and hopes that it will encourage a lively and honest exchange.”

29 June, 2007