Pub chain in big sell-off

Scores of well-known pubs are being sold off by a national chain because of "difficult trading conditions" and the impact of the smoking ban.

The Bank in Wolverhampton, two Hog's Head pubs – in Leicester Street, Walsall and another in Stafford – as well as Yates's in Kidderminster and Cannock are on the market.

The company today said it would try to relocate staff where possible, but bosses predicted there would be some redundancies.

It follows pub chain JD Wetherspoon's announcement last week that the impact of last year's smoking ban, coupled with cost pressures, had led to a 13 per cent fall in pre-tax profits.

Laurel Pub Company spokeswoman Emma Currin said: "The Laurel Pub Company is putting 94 pubs up for sale due to the impact of the smoking ban and difficult trading conditions, five of which are in the West Midlands area."

She added it would not be known how many jobs could be lost in the West Midlands until each of the five pubs is sold.

Formed in 2004, Laurel Pub Company has grown to become one of the UK's leading pub and restaurant operators, with around 460 establishments.

As well as Yates's, they include other high-street names including Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen, Hog's Head, La Tasca, La Vina, Litten Tree and The Slug and Lettuce.