One such case is John Kennedy, who runs the Moorings in South Queensferry.  Punch worked with John ahead of the ban start date in March to deliver a smoking solution that would transform this community local.

John said: “A huge percentage of my customers are smokers and I simply couldn’t afford to ignore this.

“I knew that I needed to offer people who smoke a place to do so, otherwise I risked loosing their trade as they stayed away from the pub.”

With the help of a £25,000 investment from Punch a design was agreed that made the outdoor areas intrinsic to the pub’s layout and made the pub more comfortable for smokers and non smokers alike. 

Two new luxurious outdoor areas have now been created, a new doorway was built from the bar area that allows direct access from the heart of the pub into a courtyard and the old beer garden has been transformed.          
          
Large covered seating areas that feature outdoor heating, decking and stylish landscaping have more than doubled the pub’s capacity.

John said: “The response has been fantastic, there’s nothing else like this in the area and the regulars absolutely love it – they have recognised the effort we have made and it’s paying off.”

Trade at the pub is now estimated to be up by 10%. With a new food offering and the option of eating in the stylish outdoor area the Moorings is experiencing a real boost to custom.

Sue Allen, Punch’s regional operations director, said: “Planning for the smoking ban has been a significant challenge for pubs throughout Scotland.  The advantage of working with a pubco as proactive as Punch is that retailers didn’t need to face this challenge alone. 

“We have spent time with each and every pub to discuss how best to manage the change and what can be done to retain existing customers and even attract new ones.

“The Moorings is a perfect example of how good planning and imagination can make a real difference.”

For further information please contact Jo Mathers or Nick Trueman at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780.

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