A solution for fugitive smokers

As England gears up for the smoking ban due to come into force in eight months, one major pub chain has drafted in building materials distributor Wolseley to assist. The Charles Wells Pub Company has asked Wolseley help it create outside areas for fugitive smokers. Wolseley is providing a range of gazebo and pergola kits with help from wood product supplier Finnforest.

Around 150 commercial deck kits are expected to be delivered to pubs in the Charles Wells estate over the next few months, providing “safe and comfortable” outdoor areas where customers will be able to smoke in all weather conditions.

The kits comprise two design options, a gazebo styled building and a unique deck and pergola system using composite material.

Wolseley claims the latter product, made from recycled material, is durable, hardwearing and low maintenance. The deck boards have a grained surface designed specifically to cope with wet conditions, providing smokers with a non-slip surface. The boards are also resistant to moisture and insect damage. The composite deck boards require no painting, staining or waterproof.

The pergola design uses durable and hardwearing softwood, sourced from sustainably managed forests. It is designed with weatherboard-clad walls on five out of six sides, minimising the effects of bad weather, and has a Perspex roof enabling use in all conditions.

David Broadhurst, Charles Wells Project Manager said: “The tide of public opinion appears to be turning against smokers, resulting in the Government’s smoking ban, due next Summer. However, the comfort of our customers is of paramount importance, and both customers and staff who smoke will require a safe and covered area, fit for purpose. We approached Wolseley, a key supplier to our organisation and together with Finnforest they have sourced and delivered a competitively priced solution which will make the lives of our smoking patrons that little bit easier”.