LANDLORDS are suffering lower takings as the smoking ban enters its second month.

The nationwide ban, which came into force on July 1, made it illegal to smoke in enclosed public places.

Some pubs in Warrington have noted a fall in profits as smokers stay away.

The Crown and Cushion, in Penketh, is considering closing during the day because so few of its regulars are venturing in.

"From Mondays to Thursdays during the day we have seen a massive downsize in business," said landlord Alan McConville.

"It is 100 per cent because of the ban," he said.

His pub does not serve food and relies on its regulars, who tend to be smokers, for its income, Mr McConville said.

He is awaiting planning permission for a permanent smoking shelter.

Christopher Strike, owner of The Maltings in Bewsey, also said business had slowed.

"About 80 per cent of our regulars are smokers and quite a few have gone to other places," he said.

"We have lost about 10 per cent of our usual takings."

He, too, is waiting for planning permission to build a permanent shelter.

Most pubs that have shelters have not noticed a discernable drop in takings, but they are aware that permanent structures with heaters and covering will be necessary.

"You've got to have somewhere substantial to go in the winter," said John Wright, manager of The Bulls Head in Lymm, which should have a shelter in a few weeks.

There have been five planning applications for smoking shelters or covered decking submitted to the council since the smoking ban was enforced a month yesterday.

However, family oriented pub restaurants are reaping the benefits of the smoking ban.

Most said they had seen an increase in customers, particularly those with children, who like the smoke free atmosphere.

"It has had a positive effect on my business," said landlord of the Seven Woods in Westbrook, John Griffiths, who installed a custom built shelter costing almost £40,000.

"We've not lost any smokers and we are getting a lot of new customers and families in now," he said There has only been one flouting of the ban in Warrington so far, said police licensing officer Paul Draycott.

"That was in the first week when a landlord's wife walked in with a lit cigarette as she forgot about the ban," he said.

"A lot of people I've spoken to are very pleased that there is no smoking in pubs."

nick.lakeman@guardaingrp.co.uk