A survey by the Friary Marketing & Consumer Group (FMCG) says more casual diners - those who spend between £11-17 on a meal out with drinks - are more likely to eat in pubs because of the ban, which came into effect today (1 July).

The report expects restaurants to cut their prices to retain their customers and stop them from defecting to pubs, The Publican reported.

It is now illegal to smoke in enclosed public places in England, bringing the country in line with the rest of the UK.