Smoke ban to hit pub trade

A Lichfield city centre pub facing a loss in trade due to the imminent smoking ban is set to be transformed into houses.

The Greyhound Inn, a historic Georgian pub on Upper St John Street, could soon be closing its doors to make way for 13 new homes.

Plans have been drawn up to revamp the pub as townhouses, with several new blocks built around the existing building.

It has been revealed that the real ale pub is facing the axe due to a downturn in trade and the predicted impact upon its custom from the smoking ban, which comes into force on July 1.

An outline planning bid for the redevelopment has been sent to the district council by owners Rembrandt Estates LLP.

They want to develop a courtyard-style complex providing a mix of two and three-storey townhouses.

The three-storey pub building would be retained as part of the plans.

According to Rembrandt, the pub expected to lose up to 20 per cent of its trade because of the smoking ban.

Brian Pretty, Lichfield Real Ale festival organiser, was disappointed to hear the Greyhound could close, as it was a "wonderful old-fashioned" drinking spot.

By Faye Casey