I'm not entirely sure there's any correlation between smokers and yobbos.
Most Pubs, if they allow children at all, don't allow them after 6-8pm. What I can tell you is, that the chain I work for are desperately trying to sell their establishments following the release of the true figures on loss of trade(taken from Ireland and Scotland).
I also, like you, believe that Publicans and all the small independant private clubs should concentrate on other ideas to draw people in to conteract the loss, sadly I think it will be a lot easier to close down. I also believe that once the loss in revenue to the Govt is seen ( ie. loss of taxes on cigs as people reduce/ give up smoking and people buying in a supermarket and take home so they can smoke)there will be a massive hike in beer duty to try and compensate hitting the pubs once again.

I'm with you on the ban I can't wait, however I hope that their will still be pubs to go to!