Nottingham venue rescues smokers

Rescue Rooms smoking area shot

10 APRIL 2007

NOTTINGHAM VENUE RESCUES SMOKERS

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Leading Midlands live music and club operator DHP is preparing for July’s smoking ban by converting outdoor areas at its Nottingham venues to create a hospitable place for smokers to congregate.

DHP runs Rock City along with The Rescue Rooms, Stealth and The Social, all in Nottingham city centre, with a total nightly capacity of 4000 people.

At the Rescue Rooms, the existing decked outdoor area has recently had huge umbrellas and heaters fitted in a bid to ease the transition for the city’s smokers.

With a total capacity of 600 spread over two rooms, the Rescue Rooms opened in 2003 to host a range of live acts and club nights. The outside space, which measures more than 50m long, has previously only been used during the summer months but will now provide a sheltered, welcoming area for smokers.

Managed in-house, the exterior changes have been completed with practicality and function front of mind. So rather than redesigning the whole space, DHP has made small, ‘simple yet effective’ alterations and additions that will make a real difference to customers - such as the ‘jumbrellas’ that feature integrated electric infra red heaters, to warm people rather than air.

DHP managing director, George Akins, said they made the decision to update the outdoor areas at all their venues as early as possible following evidence from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association on the impact of the smoking ban in Scotland.

“What’s very clear from looking at the impact of the ban elsewhere is that preparation is the key to success in this, and those venues able to offer outdoor areas have fared much better,” he said.

“Although we’re finding that less and less people are smoking – only 10% of the audience across all our venues are smokers - it’s more important than ever that those who are feel welcome and looked after. Improving our outdoor areas now allows customers to get used to the change during a transition period.”

From: NIGHT Online

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