By Eric Nicolson

PUB PROFITS in Perth and Kinross may have soared by as much as 25% in the wake of the new smoking ban.

Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s housing and health committee reflected on the implementation of the legislation, which came into force on March 26.

Early impressions are that there is only good news to report thus far, including the unofficial figures of rising bar profits.

Committee vice-convener Councillor Peter Barrett said, “It is just under a month ago that smoking was banned from public places. On the grapevine I have heard that pub takings are up by 25% as customers take advantage of smoke-free places to eat and drink.

“We are still in the softly, softly stage of monitoring the ban but our inspectors are finding that full co-operation is in place, with only one or two wrinkles needing to be ironed out.

“These are minor issues (mainly to do with signage) and are nothing to get het up about. There have only been five complaints logged with the Scottish Executive compliance lines.”

Councillor Willie Robertson asked whether the licensed trade is genuinely happy about the law change. A council officer responded, “There isn’t anybody kicking back against it. It has been welcomed throughout the district.”

Committee convener Councillor Gordon Hunter saved the “biggest congratulations” for the businesses of Perth and Kinross for “adhering to and embracing the new legislation.”

In a report prepared by the head of environmental and consumer services, Donald Stewart, committee members were told that in most instances the main form of enforcement in Perth and Kinross will be the fixed penalty notice.

He explained, “It is intended that the first two months of activity will be ‘soft’ enforcement, with businesses being advised formally by letter if necessary of any deficiencies in compliance.

“Any blatant flouting of the law will, however, be dealt with by way of warning letters to those concerned or the issue of fixed penalty notices or reports to the procurator fiscal, as appropriate.”

He said, “Environment services are currently working with committee services and legal services to draw up procedures for the administration of appeal hearings and payment of fixed penalty notices and these arrangements will be brought to the next housing and health committee for their approval.”

Councillors were happy for this to happen and unanimously endorsed the paper.