A third of Scottish pubs has laid off staff due to smoking ban

More than a third of Scottish pubs have laid off staff as a result of the smoking ban, according to new research.

A survey of more than 500 pubs north of the border, by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), reveals that 34% have let staff go, with only 3% reporting new recruits.

Drink sales remain at 11% below pre-ban levels, and even food is down 3%, the research shows.

The main reason appears to be that regulars who smoke are spending less time in the pub – 56% of licensees reported fewer visits by regulars, with 30% also noting fewer new customer visits - as the novelty of the ban has worn off.

Operators have been trying to invest in outdoor areas to survive but have had little or no assistance from their local authorities. 

Whilst 42% of licensees said that the ban had led them to invest more in their outdoor facilities 81% thought that the councils had been not at all helpful or actively unhelpful in helping them to cope with the impacts of the ban.

“The Scottish Licensed Trade was collateral damage in a war between the Scottish Executive and the Tobacco Industry,” said Paul Waterson, chief executive of The Scottish Licensed Trade Association. 

“Our businesses were hit although we were innocent bystanders. We were never properly and fairly consulted on the ban, and our warnings were ignored – now we have to live with the consequences of losing loyal workers and pubs being under threat.”

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By Daniel Thomas

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