Poor weather not smoking ban affects Fuller's

London brewer and pub operator Fuller, Smith & Turner believes poor summer weather, not the smoking ban, has had a “far greater” impact on trading during the last three months.

Fuller’s said that like-for-like sales in its managed and tenanted pubs for the 16 weeks ending 21 July were 4.3% ahead of last year.

Fuller’s chairman Anthony Fuller said: “The first quarter has seen a good start to the year, in line with our expectations.  The smoking ban came into effect on 1 July 2007, but it is still too early to identify its effect on sales.”

“Indeed a far greater daily influence has been the variable weather at the height of the English summer – a challenge which we have learned to expect and address through the years.”

Fuller retires today as chairman. He will remain with the family business as non-executive director and has agreed to become President.

Michael Turner, chief executive since July 2002, will take over as executive chairman.

Booming food sales help JD Wetherspoon escape England smoking ban affect>>

Fuller Smith & Turner reports 23% rise in turnover>>

Pub operators wait for air to clear after smoking ban>>

Smoking ban round up>>

By Christopher Walton

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