Paul, I am sorry that the Pub is under threat of closure. It is a good venue and you have put a lot of effort into getting the folk club off the ground. Last Saturday was my first visit and it was an excellent night which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I will try and come on the 21st June, though I cannot be certain at this stage.

As to the reasons, I suspect it is no one factor. The smoking ban may have contributed, but far more likely is a combination of recent tax increases, fuel price rises and the current economic climate. Such a combination will inevitably lead to pub closures. The smoking ban may be a contributory factor, but without the other factors, I suspect many pubs would otherwise survive.

[rant]
As to Guest Hugh Allen, you are the kind of person I would rather not have in a pub. You must realise that your habit not only affects your health (which is your own lookout) but also that of others, especially the bar staff who have to work in the smoky atmosphere. The atmosphere in pubs is so much more pleasant since the smoking ban.
[/rant]

That said I do think the rules about smoking shelters are just plain stupid. Like it or not, people are not going to just stop smoking because of the ban and it would make sense to permit pubs and restaurants to provide reasonable smoking shelters. To me the ban is more about consideration for other customers and for the staff.

Geoff