An Elgin bar has called last orders just two months after bringing a smoking ban into force.

Mr Halkett said he lost 85% of his regulars as soon as he brought the ban into force and claims his experience proves it will not work for small traditional pubs.

“If I’m scared of heights I wouldn’t become a steeplejack, likewise no-one is forced to go into a smoky bar.

Mr Halkett pulled the last pint in his bar on Tuesday and the property – a bar since 1878 – has now been put up for sale.

“Once implemented by law, this smoking ban will clear the towns and cities of bars like this, and along with them will go all the jobs they created.”

However, he stressed: “They are not playing on a level playing field, and that is something that will be extremely beneficial come spring of next year.”

(Nicotine Nannies love the phrase “a level playing field.” But if bans were good for business, as they claim, why is it necessary to force a “level playing field?” Wouldn’t venues that voluntarily ban smoking have a huge advantage over their competitors? Every time they use that phrase they’re admitting they’re lying.)

Source: BBC News. Link

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