More than 100 pubs in Northern Ireland have closed since the introduction of the smoking ban, it has been claimed.
The Federation of Retail Licensed Trade said 7% of bars had gone out of business since its introduction.
FRLT Chief Executive Stephen Kelly said: 'The smoking ban has hit our members hard. The much promoted view that non- smokers would be rushing to premises now that smokers have left, has not materialised.
'We said at the time that we would lose customers in country pubs and they have not been replaced,' he added.
Mr Kelly said it expected another 100 pubs to close next year.
Yesterday was the first anniversary of the Northern Ireland ban.
