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6 in 10 non-smokers to visit pubs more often
Wed 23 May 2007
Retail Eyes has found that 58.9% of non-smokers will be more likely to visit the pub once the smoking ban comes into force. At the same time, only 1 in 3 smokers say the ban will make them visit less frequently. This clearly demonstrates that the ban should have a net positive effect on trade for publicans.
Retail Eyes has also revealed that on average, service standards have actually increased by 5% since the smoking ban came into effect in Scotland in March 2006, with consumers indicating they are now more likely to return and recommend.
“The results in Scotland clearly demonstrate that for the average patron, the smoking ban has been a good thing,” commented Tim Ogle, Marketing Director, Retail Eyes. “Not only has it improved the ambience of bars and pubs, as staff are generally happier working in a smoke-free environment, which results in them giving better service.”
Two-thirds of respondents to the survey also claim that the level of smoke affects their choice of venue; this was more of a consideration for women at 68.3%, than men at 60.8%. This percentage was significantly lower in those respondents who smoke, where it affected just 21.6% of choices. However, 51.5% of smokers will actively seek out locations with dedicated smoking areas.
The research also found that 44.1% of respondents stated that they would feel intimidated or uncomfortable walking through a group of people smoking at the entrance to a pub. Although a majority of respondents at 51.2% indicated this would not affect their decision to visit a pub, half of women said people smoking in the entrance would make them less likely to go inside, which pub landlords should consider when deciding where to allow smoking outdoors.
As for what smokers look for in a smoking area, 34.3% stated the most important feature would be that the area is well maintained. One in five stated the most important feature is that the area is warm and dry. Only 14.2% said seating is the most important attribute of a smoking area.
“Publicans clearly have many factors to consider in the run up to the smoking ban,” concluded Ogle. “Decisions about the placement of smoking areas and their features will have a huge impact on trade once the ban goes into effect. Those who make the right decisions will reap the rewards that greater customer satisfaction brings.”
Retail Eyes has also revealed that on average, service standards have actually increased by 5% since the smoking ban came into effect in Scotland in March 2006, with consumers indicating they are now more likely to return and recommend.
“The results in Scotland clearly demonstrate that for the average patron, the smoking ban has been a good thing,” commented Tim Ogle, Marketing Director, Retail Eyes. “Not only has it improved the ambience of bars and pubs, as staff are generally happier working in a smoke-free environment, which results in them giving better service.”
Two-thirds of respondents to the survey also claim that the level of smoke affects their choice of venue; this was more of a consideration for women at 68.3%, than men at 60.8%. This percentage was significantly lower in those respondents who smoke, where it affected just 21.6% of choices. However, 51.5% of smokers will actively seek out locations with dedicated smoking areas.
The research also found that 44.1% of respondents stated that they would feel intimidated or uncomfortable walking through a group of people smoking at the entrance to a pub. Although a majority of respondents at 51.2% indicated this would not affect their decision to visit a pub, half of women said people smoking in the entrance would make them less likely to go inside, which pub landlords should consider when deciding where to allow smoking outdoors.
As for what smokers look for in a smoking area, 34.3% stated the most important feature would be that the area is well maintained. One in five stated the most important feature is that the area is warm and dry. Only 14.2% said seating is the most important attribute of a smoking area.
“Publicans clearly have many factors to consider in the run up to the smoking ban,” concluded Ogle. “Decisions about the placement of smoking areas and their features will have a huge impact on trade once the ban goes into effect. Those who make the right decisions will reap the rewards that greater customer satisfaction brings.”
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