'Too early to tell' effect of smoking ban

nlnews@archant.co.uk
04 July 2007

THE INTRODUCTION of the smoking ban across England on Sunday appears to have had limited impact on Haringey businesses, early reports suggest.

The ban, which applies to all public buildings and work places, came into effect at midnight on Saturday with some warning pub and club trade would be hit hard.

Nicola Thomas, assistant manager at the Queens pub in Tottenham Lane, Crouch End, said on Monday: "It's only the second day. Yesterday was fine. We will not know anything until it gets busier on Friday and Saturday nights.

"But it has been lovely even though I'm a smoker working in the atmosphere. People don't mind going outside to smoke then coming back in."

Tristam Stafford-Langhan, manager of O'Neill's in Muswell Hill said he had "not seen any major shifts" in pub trade.

Mike Smith, landlord of the Three Compasses on Hornsey High Street, said: "It's quite early to tell. My guess is we will see a fall of in some drink sales but hopefully it will be compensated for by food sales."

But over in Tottenham, Mary O'Connell, landlady of the Woodberry Tavern, Seven Sisters Road, felt the pinch.

She said: "There are lots of changes. Trade is down number one - the other side of it is trying to police it making sure nobody does light up inside and risk a heavy fine. The upside is I think the pub probably smells fresher.

"I've never been a smoker. I think it's quite nice to have the no-smoking ban in but from a trade point of view I'm not too sure - it's a bit early yet to say how it has affected us. There was an unusual feeling in the pub on Sunday morning - something was missing and we looked around and realised it was the ashtrays. We've been here 16 years and it's been a long time putting them out."

Landlords face fines of up to £2,500 and individual smokers liable a £50 fine if they light up in a public building - and the threat appears to be working.

Serdal Surk, owner of Lordship Lane Café in Tottenham, said: "Things are alright. People moan but they listen and they just come in and sit down. It has not had much effect on trade - probably a bit but as time goes by people will get used to it."

Haringey Council had not issued any fines as the Journal went to press.

A spokesman said: "We are offering advice and guidance to local businesses about the smoking ban and encouraging them to comply with the new legislation.

"We have a team of 12 officers who are visiting premises out of normal office hours - such as pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes - which are open to the public.

"During the day our enforcement and environmental health officers deal with this issue as they go about their normal duties.