When I was old enough to drink in public houses, people were able to smoke and all my earliest memories are of pubs being smoky. Coming home from the pub always meant that you would smell like you'd been there, even if you were not a smoker. When the ban came into the UK I was working in a pub myself so I saw the change over and the panic that business in pubs would slow. Suddenly pubs all over the UK were advertising their pavilions, canopies and shelters in their 'tranquil beer garden' to keep business ahead.
Interestingly it would seem that those pubs that had access to an outside, no matter how grim they actually were (replace tranquil with concrete) the ones that were going to be okay. Even though our media tells us the dangers of smoking constantly and our cigarette packs are adorned with pictures of cancerous body parts people still want to smoke. They don't wish to do this in the rain either, they want to be using pubs pavilions, canopies and shelters that have all been quickly built to accommodate the change.
So if I had any advice for pub owners it would be to look at how they can improve their open air space for their smoking customers, as these seem to be the die-hard regulars that need to be accommodated for. It is worth making sure your smokers get given a nice view if possible, heaters are definitely a must and the most important factor is your shelter. Obviously laws do dictate how a shelter should be legally so it is important when choosing yours that your pavilions, canopies and shelters that they fulfil requirements.
So culture and its attitude to smoking in public places have been forced to change and this is definitely a highlight for our countries' health. But what about our social lives? Have these been affected? It would seem not, pub goers have been fully embracing the social aspect to going out for a cigarette, asking strangers for a lighter, discussing the weather. Even a new phrase has been coined from this interaction, going out for a cigarette and talking to those around you is now known as 'smirting'. This is of course, a variation on the word flirting with the combination of smoking. So however you view the ban and its rules it certainly has changed a few things we were used too.
Author Resource:-
Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the building industry.
Find out more about Pavilions, Canopies & Shelters and how the services available can help with outdoor buildings.
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