PUBS and bingo halls in Dorset are preparing for tough times as figures are released showing the effect of a year's smoking ban in Scotland.

Monday will be the first anniversary of the ban north of the border and the signs are not positive for the hospitality industry.

A third of pubs have been forced to axe staff, according to the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, and overall revenues are down 11 per cent. Worst hit are bingo halls and rural pubs.

Simon Bartlam, of Club Grand Bingo in Westbourne, the only independent hall left in Dorset, said: "It's definitely a big concern for our customers because such a high percentage are smokers.

"At least 11 clubs have closed in Scotland, and revenue is down 25 per cent. We're expecting quite a serious fall because our money is made in the breaks between games."

With the club located in a listed 1920s building, there is little scope to add an outdoor smoking area.

The same problem exists down the road at The Porterhouse pub.

Manager Johnathan Blackie said: "The big chains are able to put in a lot of investment, but small community pubs like ours that can't offer an outdoor area are going to feel the pinch.

"If we can ride out the first year, then I think people will adjust, and it might encourage people who don't like smoky atmospheres."

Patricia Baldwin, at the Goat and Tricycle in Bournemouth, agrees: "The general figures from Scotland and elsewhere don't look good. It's going to be tough to deal with lower sales on top of the risk of £2,000 fines if someone gets caught smoking.

"It will hit the smaller, more unique pubs, but hopefully they will recover when people get used to the changes."

Health reports from Scotland indicate hazardous particles in pub air dropping by 86 per cent and noticeable improvements in the lung functions of waiters and bartenders.