SEPTEMBER 22, 2006: Traditional pubs were struggling to adapt to the smoking ban, while swanky bars and hotels were thriving.
That was the picture painted by landlords in Inverclyde six months after the introduction of Scotland’s smoking ban.
Trendy eateries and other pubs serving traditional food seemed to stand the best chance of survival in the new world of smoke-free pubs.
Since the ban came into force on March 26 that year, some pubs and clubs had reported a drop in takings.
The Tele looked at how the ban affected two very different pubs.
The Comet in King Street, Port Glasgow, was a traditional pub with a hardcore of regulars.
Many of their customers came in every day to sip a half and half and meet up with old friends.
Landlord Donnie McPherson said the ban was unfair on his regulars, who were being driven on to the street.
Unlike others in the town, he didn’t take the opportunity to start selling food to try and attract new customers in the wake of the ban.
Donnie said: “This is a traditional pub. Some people don’t want to sit in a pub while other people are eating.
“My customers used to love coming in here for a couple of drinks in the afternoon, a blether and a fag. But they can’t do that any more. The Government are taking away our rights.”
Five miles down the road, the Spinnaker Hotel reported a roaring trade. The popular pub had a diverse mix of customers, regulars and tourists.
Like others in Inverclyde, the owners had noticed a boost in takings thanks to more people coming in for food.
The Spinnaker served traditional pub food in the afternoon and at the weekends it turned into a hotspot for partygoers.
Owner Stewart McCartney said: “I would say the smoking ban has had no impact on us at all.
“We still get the same regulars coming in. Our customers enjoy the smoke-free environment.”
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