The problem with the theory that nonsmoking customers will replace the smokers. Is by and large the nonsmoking population tend to be a more health conscious group than smokers. a larger percentage of them are likely to have one or two, or even worst tea or soft drinks. The hard drinker who is prone to an evening of pints tends to be more tolerant of smokers. All of the nonsmokers who have posted thus far have said that they'd stop back for the occasional pint. This won't keep the pub open, the pub owner needs people who are capable of sitting and drinking for hours. I've seen a few local bars hear in Ct., USA, voluntarily go smoke free, and invariably they've gone back. Folks really don.t like to walk away from their drink to stand in the rain for a fag. And the people that replaced them just don't drink as much. By the way, does anyone know how this experiment is working in NYC?