Marston's to spend £20m on outside smoking areas

Pub operator Marston’s will have splashed out £20m on its pubs’ outside areas by the start of the smoking bans this year in England and Wales.

The company - previously Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries – has reiterated its belief it is well prepared for the bans, which take effect in all enclosed public places from April  in Wales and July in England.

The majority of the group’s large outlay - around 90% - has been spent on its pub gardens and patios.

Despite Marston’s bullish assessment of the forthcoming smoking ban, not everyone in the City was convinced with Simon French, an analyst at Numis Securities voicing concern.

"We think Marston’s should trade at a discount to the other pubcos as the brewing division market position is under threat from Wells & Young’s, and the group has limited expertise of operating in a non-smoking environment as it has no Scottish pubs," he said.

Last week, the company announced the acquisition of South England rival Eldridge Pope for more than £155m.

Marston's buys rival Eldridge Pope >>

Wolverhampton & Dudley to change name to Marston’s >>

Expansion is key to success for Wolverhampton & Dudley >>

Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries buys Celtic Inns >>
 
W&D reacts to increasing cost pressures >>

Marston’s website >>

By Chris Druce

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