Smoking ban cuts pub trade by 25 per cent

At least four pubs told the Express trade had gone down by 25 per cent since the ban began last July.

Landlord Robin Sadler from The Grenadier in Hailsham, wants Charles Hendry MP to raise questions in Parliament.

He said: 'The heart has gone out of the business.

'All my friends in the trade are saying the same thing.

'The government are not interested in how much business is being lost around the country.

'Nobody is prepared to take on a pub at the moment.'

Mr Hendry, MP for Wealden, is waiting for a response from the Department of Health and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform about drinking pubs losing income.

He said: 'The impact of the ban is felt very differently by pubs.

'Gastro pubs have not really seen a loss of income but for drinking pubs it has been particularly severe.

'Nobody is suggesting the ban should be lifted but nobody has asked what the economic consequences might be.'

Geoff Baker, from The George in Hailsham, called the ban 'diabolical.'

He said: 'They were clever introducing it in the summer but the weather has got colder for smokers standing outside.

'I am a smoker myself and I stand out with them.

'There isn't a day goes by without us talking about the ban and how it affects enjoying the pub.

'More and more people appear to be staying at home as supermarkets sell alcohol below cost price.'

Harry Findlay from The Junction Tavern in Polegate said: 'It is a horrible idea.

'Your clothes do not smell of smoke so much but it is a conversation and atmosphere killer.'

Landlord Michael Arnold was putting up a smoking shelter at The Woolpack Inn, Herstmonceux.

He said: 'The smoking ban is a load of rubbish.'

Landlady Julie Hanks, from The Brewers Arms in the village, thought worldwide economic problems were to blame, not the ban.

She added: 'The ban has not affected us as we have a fantastic smoking shelter

'Business is down but I do not think it is to do with the ban.

'There is just not as much money around with price increases and squeezes on credit.'

Andrew Ferris, of The Star Inn in Alfriston, said a no smoking policy was in operation before the ban.

He added: 'The ban has not generally affected us.

'There have been no effects on our bar operation.

'We have had no negative comments from customers who go outside to smoke.'

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