The smoking ban introduced in July 2007 has damaged Britain’s pub trade, according to a study by the British Beer and Pub Association.

Figures from the British Beer and Pub Association show that 1,409 pubs closed during 2007. This compares to pub closures of 216 in 2006, and 102 in 2005.
Urban pubs have been hardest hit, with two per cent of all urban pubs closing in the last six months. Approximately 78 of London's 3,879 urban pubs closed in the last six months of 2007.
Reasons for the closures include a combination of factors such as the credit crunch, the smoking ban and rising alcohol costs.
Pubs without the space to provide an attractive outside area for smokers, and those that are not heavily focused on food sales, have faced particular difficulties. (pi)