In a combined conspiracy by default, pubs across the UK are hiring strippers to tempt smokers back into the bar. The recent laws outlawing smoking in enclosed spaces in the UK have hit public houses hard, even though evidence from Ireland shows that in time bar takings have returned almost to normal.

During the summer there has been little problem for pubs, landlords placing seats and tables outside where drinkers can have a smoke, it provides an attractive front, giving the impression of a busy interior, wheras the reality is that everybody is outside, and the only people inside are the bar staff.

In winter a different, almost Dickensian atmosphere prevails. The punters, determined to smoke while they drink, huddle outside in groups, their breath curling upwards giving a misty hue, like Emperor penguins in Antarctica as they push together for warmth. Inside, the pubs are still half empty.

To get the clientele back into pubs, strippers have proved a great success, laciviousness overcoming the overpowering need for a draw on a cigarette. The distraction works, and some pubs are weighing up the cost benefits of hiring strippers on a regular basis to replace or augment live music from pub bands. Would it work for you?

This article published by The Football and Politics Blog ©2008.