Jump to full article: BBC Online, 2008-04-30
Intro: More than 100 bars in Northern Ireland have closed since the introduction of the smoking ban, it has been claimed.
The Federation of Retail Licensed Trade said that 7% of Northern Ireland's pubs and bars had gone out of business since the ban's introduction a year ago.
Its chief execuitve Stephen Kelly said: "The much promoted view that non-smokers would be rushing to premises has not materialised.
"We expect another 100 to close next year."
The Federation of Retail Licensed Trade represents about 1,100 pubs, hotels and restaurants.
Mr Kelly also acknowledged some landlords had fared well since the ban's introduction.
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