The pub trade magazine found that 54% of pubs had not seen an increase in food sales since smoking in enclosed public places was outlawed, compared to 33% which had. A fifth - 21% - said overall sales including food and drink had fallen since the ban in the summer.

The Publican Food Report 2007 found the average amount spent on a pub meal with drinks is £14.86, a penny less than last year.

A Publican spokesman said:

"The results show that as consumers tighten their belts, and after the smoking ban coincided with one of the worst summers ever recorded weather-wise, it's a tough market out there."