Pubs ‘n’ Bars believes the smoking ban will badly affect its business because of loss of bar sales and machine income.

In a full year trading statement yesterday the pub and bar operator said its biggest competition now came from people who drink at home and in the streets.

Despite its predicts of the affect of the ban, Pubs ‘n’ Bars said it now only had nine pubs without dedicated outdoor smoking areas in its estate of 98.

It added that the cost of these shelters had been “insignificant” with a total spend of £300,000 to date.

The group continues to integrate Moorgate London an estate of seven freeholds in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire purchased last month for £6.6m.

In the year ending 31 December 2006 group turnover was up slightly to £15.3m (2005: £14.7m) but pre-tax profit dipped slightly to £1.07m (2005: £1.09m).

Pubs 'n' Bars buys Moorgate London for £6.6m >>

Pubs ’n’ bars makes solid start to the year >>

http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2006/09/22/309080/pubs-n-bars-makes-solid-start-to-the-year.html 

Half of England unaware of smoking ban date >>

Pubs in England to take a £109m hit in revenues post smoking ban >>

By Christopher Walton

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