UPDATED:Smoking ban: Has it been a drag? - your views
PUBS across the town have reported mixed fortunes since the smoking ban kicked in, in July last year.
Many have seen profits go up in smoke since punters wanting a cigarette were forced out into the cold.
Stuart Attenborough, landlord of the White Hart, on the High Street, said: "I think every pub will have suffered and everyone's profits will be down.
"Where people used to come and have three or four pints after work they just come and have one now.
"I think more people stay at home now where they can smoke and where it is cheaper.
"I think the ban should be modified so that pubs with two bars can have one smoking and one non-smoking like they do in Europe.
"This would offer people more choice and there would be something to please everybody."
Pub punters agree the ban has made a difference.
Harry Lord, 62, West Green, said: "I think a lot of people stay away or go elsewhere to socialise now. They can drink and smoke at home and it's probably cheaper. It hasn't put me off coming to the pub though.
"I think it's terrible, there should have been greater provision for smokers in the legislation."
Paul Ford, 46, from Horley, said: "I would say that since the ban business in pubs is down by half. As a non-smoker I was never that bothered by people smoking in the pub but now I can notice the different atmosphere and cleaner air I would say it's a good idea. It was a bit of a health concern when people smoked inside, the ban is a good thing for non-smokers generally."
Jerry Dawson, Tilgate, 49, said: "I don't mind the ban, I'm happy to go and smoke outside, it means I probably drink less. I wouldn't say that business has been affected because it doesn't seem any quieter. Families might enjoy the pub more because smokers go outside now."
More reaction and full story in this week's Observer
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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