| Publicans have expressed fears that with the smoking ban in public places approaching its first winter, many establishments could face difficulties — or even closure — from a dip in trade.
The trade has expressed concern that the scores of pubs across the country waiting for decisions on planning applications for smoking areas is contributing to the prospect of a bleak winter.
A spokesman for Dundee City Council said today, “There have been 20 applications for awnings, canopies, and outside smoking areas of various types.”
To date, the Trades House has been the only applicant granted planning permission for an outdoor area with seating. Councillors voted to approve the application from the Nethergate pub against the recommendation of officers, but limited the licence to two years.
The pub will then have to reapply to keep the smoking shelter, which is four metres by one metre.
The committee heard the gazebo will be linked to the pub by CCTV. Customers will not be allowed to take their drinks out to the shelter, and staff will be responsible for cleaning it.
The City Council spokesman added there are eight applications still awaiting a decision, with at least half of them expected to go before committee this month.
The spokesman said one of the main reasons for refusal of most of the applications so far had been that many were from pubs in largely tenement areas, where the establishments had flats above.
Installing outside covered smoking areas would have had a negative impact on the quality of life of residents. |
