CHARLES WELLS PUB COMPANY PROVIDES ALFRESCO SOLUTIONS TO OVERCOME SMOKING BAN
Charles Wells Pub Company is helping its licensees by providing support and solutions in the run up to the ban on smoking in public places anticipated for implementation next Summer.
The Government legislation is expected to hit trade in pubs and restaurants hardest of all and the company wanted to reassure its operators that they wouldn’t be left alone to react to the ban. “When legislation such as the smoking ban is introduced, the planning, upheaval and expense that comes with it are the last things a busy publican needs to worry about” explained Charles Wells Pub Company Managing Director, Anthony Wallis. “Our aim is to make the transition as smooth and painless as possible for our tenants and lessees so that they can concentrate on developing and running a profitable and sustainable business.”
The company has therefore agreed to spend up to £7,500 on developing smoke-ban solutions at each of its 250 pubs. Business Development Managers (BDMs) are visiting every pub within the estate, together with a Project Manager, to assess the best possible way to beat the ban. The BDMs then complete action plans and instigate a marketing strategy in conjunction with licensees to ensure that they remain as competitive as possible.
“We have produced a guidance document to help the BDMs with these calls” continued Wallis. “It outlines eight possible solutions, ranging from installing jumbrellas to building pergolas to special project constructions, with each one being tailored to the individual pubs needs. The guide also lists a complete inventory of items that may be required, including furniture and heating along with suppliers and negotiated, discounted costs.”
A further section within the document explains that licensees should start thinking about their marketing strategy now to ensure that they’re prepared to compete when the ban is finally implemented. They are being encouraged to look at whether their menu options could be improved, or whether food should be introduced for the first time, how to capitalise on sporting events and how to appeal to customers who’ve previously stayed away because of the smoke!
The smoking solutions initiative is one of a number of ways the Charles Wells Pub Company is helping licensees thrive in difficult trading conditions. Last year, it provided support through the licensing law changes and the introduction of the disability discrimination act. It spends in the region of £4 million every year on scheduled refurbishments, commits to training and upholding of quality standards and provides one of the most comprehensive support packages in the licensed trade.
For further information on the support available, and for details of the current houses to let, please visit www.charleswells.co.uk/home/business-opportunities.
www.charleswells.co.uk
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For Immediate Release: Monday 31st July 2006
For Further Information, please contact: Kate Hempsall
Customer Marketing Manager,
Charles Wells Pub Company
Tel: + 44 (0)1234 272766
