The smoking ban in Scotland, one year on

"Accept, Adapt and Accommodate"... Scottish licensees reveal the recipe for successful smokefree trading. Drawing on its unrivalled desk, telephone and field research teams, CGA Strategy has produced the definitive report on the effects of the Smoking Ban in Scotland one year on.

The report provides practical insight into the experiences of Scottish licensees and highlights lessons to be learned for retailers, suppliers and industry leaders in England & Wales.The results, while showing that trading has undoubtedly been tough in Scotland, highlight the trade’s ability to adapt and survive.

"The inevitability of the ban has been accepted; the winners generally are those with extended offers beyond the consumption of drink and those who have invested in their property effectively." (Jon Collins, CGA Chief Executive)

"The traditional drink orientated outlets are finding trading conditions very difficult; food-led pub businesses have outperformed the community and social club sectors significantly." (Ashley Cairns CGA Director)

Survey Results

There were three main sources of information. 1000+ responses from pub-goers to questions on our website; an in-depth questionnaire with 150 licensees in Scotland (outlets chosen to reflect the make-up of the market in Scotland); and interviews with key industry figures. Results from the surveys indicated:

• Licensee support for the ban has increased from 34% in favour to 50%;
• Negative opinions regarding the ban have decreased from 46% to 38%;
• A staggering 89% of licensees believe the ban is having a positive effect on the working environment.

Comments from licensees included:

• "You don’t feel so tired and your eyes don’t sting after a shift."
• "After 30 years in the trade, I wish the ban had come in years ago."
• "Everything is so much cleaner."

The Future for England and Wales

The figures confirm that outlets offering food with a functioning outside space will perform best, certainly if they have invested in these advantages before the ban commences. In Scotland, 39% of pubs and bars in the survey said that their profits had increased by investing pre-ban and 55% of other licensed premises that did not invest have seen profits fall.

When it came to drinking habits, CGA asked licensees the question: "Have you noticed a change in consumer behaviour in terms of staying in your venue…?"

The survey corroborated observational studies from CGA's field researchers, showing how smokers are adapting to the ban by altering their circuit behaviour. "Dwell time" has reduced in 37% of outlets, implying smokers are driving their friends from venue to venue in order to avoid being left out in the cold. Where and how a venue operates will determine the level to which licensees will be affected – the impact will be local.

Contact

The Smoking Ban report is available to purchase now. CGA believe this report provides the definitive industry insight to what has happened, what is likely to happen and how retailers and suppliers can best manage their business from July 1st. (Cost price £295.00 plus VAT). For further information, please contact:

Graham Pitts
graham@cgastrategy.co.uk

CGA Strategy
Waterloo Place
Watson Square
Stockport SK1 3AZ

Tel: 0161 476 8330
Fax: 0161 476 0456