Smoking ban to hit social clubs
Social club bosses across the West Midlands are preparing for the worst when the smoking ban comes in this summer. Social club bosses across the West Midlands are preparing for the worst when the smoking ban comes in this summer. Venue chiefs fear attendance will plummet when smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces on July 1 – although some are clinging to the hope that non-smokers will be encouraged to attend. Many of their customers are smokers – and bosses say some would rather stay at home than light up outside. Jack Stain, of South Staffs Entertainment Council, which provides acts for dozens of clubs across the Midlands, said: "A lot of the clubs are really smoky. Sometimes you have to change your clothes as soon as you get home to get rid of the smell." Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Venue chiefs fear attendance will plummet when smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces on July 1 – although some are clinging to the hope that non-smokers will be encouraged to attend.
Many of their customers are smokers – and bosses say some would rather stay at home than light up outside.
Jack Stain, of South Staffs Entertainment Council, which provides acts for dozens of clubs across the Midlands, said: "A lot of the clubs are really smoky. Sometimes you have to change your clothes as soon as you get home to get rid of the smell."
Jack spoke out just weeks after Mecca Bingo, in Skinner Street, Wolverhampton, closed amid fears the smoking ban would seriously affect profits.
He said it was too early to tell if clubs would close, but said some club members were actually being prompted to kick the habit. "If anything, I think the ban could have a positive effect on our clubs," he said.
"Some people are really trying to give up so they won't feel the pressure when they can't smoke indoors anymore."
Pubs and clubs across the Midlands are spending millions putting up special smoking shelters to accomodate customers.
