What's the future for working men's clubs? (From Swindon Advertiser)

What's the future for working men's clubs?

4:03pm Thursday 29th May 2008

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WORKING men's clubs across Swindon are suffering because of the smoking ban and competition from supermarkets.

Club secretaries say that customers are choosing to drink alcohol at home because of the difference in price and the freedom to smoke.

It comes after the Adver revealed that Gorse Hill Working Men's Club abruptly closed because of outstanding debts.

The club had already been removed from a national list of clubs registered by the Working Men's Club and Institute Union (CIU) in October, for not following the basic rules.

Christine Midwinter, from Westcott Place Working Men's Club, said: "What goes with a drink is a cigarette. It's as simple as that and anyone who smokes will tell you that.

"With a doubt our trade has been hit by the smoking ban. Our members now have to go and stand outside on the pavement if they want to have a cigarette.

"People don't want to come out for a drink and stand outside.

"Plus they can buy beer dirt cheap from the supermarkets.

"It's a real struggle."

Matt Carruthers, the manager at Purton Working Men's Club said that although his club had suffered less than some, he had noticed a decline in trade.

He said: "The smoking ban has had an effect but we are surviving.

"I think the fact that we have built a shelter and that a few of the pubs nearby have shut down has helped us.

"It will be hard though. The younger people generally don't come here and we are being hit hard by the prices in the supermarket.

"That's the real problem. I can't buy the alcohol as cheaply as they are selling it.

"I think there is a custom developing for English people to have a party at their house and drink from cans rather than go out."

Nick Labosquet, from the High Street Club, said that the smoking ban had been more of an inconvenience than a problem for them.

He said: "It hasn't affected us that much in terms of takings but I know it has been a great inconvenience to some people.

"The ridiculous thing is that in the summer non-smokers will be sat outside with other people smoking around them.

"We've been fortunate but I know it's been really difficult for clubs and pubs without a smoking area.

"I can understand people wanting a smoke-free environment and without a doubt that's what we have here.

"But I think what is important is to concentrate on good value and good quality of service for the members."

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