Like most people I enjoy a pint or two with some lively conversation or live music, by and large I enjoy real ale. In part that was one of the joys of visiting the local or sometimes, the not so local pub.
It was a real surprise to learn that CAMRA and landlords found themselves agreeing with a policy that at a stroke removed the majority of their customers, over 50% of the average pubs clientele were smokers, they tended to stay in the pub longer, spend more and the cost of a pint has never been a serious issue among the smoking community, in fact the low cost of beer in supermarkets has been with us for decades so why then has it only been a serious factor since 2007?
Now the small increase in patrons drinking cask ales will no doubt provide some relief to pubs but there is a clear and present danger that it will be seen as some sort of saviour for them. But it is not, in fact it is a long way short of salvation as it is akin to a raindrop in an ocean after 4 years of decimation. The only way to save pubs is by increasing footfall, good ale will help but unless the pubs can attract a majority of the smokers back into their venues then they will continue to die.
There are options. Some pubs can be made smoking pubs, or offer smoking rooms, a combination of both would be ideal, for those who wish a non-smoking venue or a family pub then the likes of Wetherspoon will be ideal leaving the more traditional pub to be as it should be, an adult refuge from family, work, children or simply the stresses of daily life.