Pub operator JD Wetherspoon has reported a positive start to trading in Scotland under the recently implemented smoking ban.

However, the company has noted that following the introduction of a similar ban in Ireland, an initial increase in business was followed by a downturn.

Consequently it remains cautious about the future impact of the ban on its operations in Scotland.

Although Wetherspoon has revealed a strong performance in its third quarter results for the 13 weeks ending 23 April 2006 – sales increased by 3.2 per cent compared with a 2 per cent decline in the same period last year, while total sales were up 3.1 per cent to £209.3m – the company is uncertain how quarter four results will be affected by the forthcoming World Cup.

Few of Wetherspoon’s pubs have televisions and as a result the chain has suffered in the past during major sporting events.