Sam Leisure recently announced that a popular pub in Fulham, The Southern Belle, had undergone an expensive refurbishment in which its English pool tables had been replaced by eight SAM Magno American tables which are part of the pub owners' intention to provide modern facilities that appeal to a wide range of customers. The owners think that American pool, for which a special pool room has been provided, is a leading example of that kind of thinking.

Although Barrett obviously agrees he still believes there is room for English pool, particularly among the communities wherein the local pub is part of community life. It is on the modern high streets where he sees the need for change especially as a number of pub pool players are attracted to snooker halls and clubs where the larger tables are paid for on a time basis rather than per game.

He told Euroslot: "Of course American pool can also fail. But Sam Leisure now has 10 years of experience of designs and advice for operating and supplying tables. He believed SAM American tables took more money than other tables and helped to bring a greater footfall to their various sites which adds to the success of such sites. Although pubs are suffering he agrees pool is the victim of' rather than the reason for, a downfall in popularity that has caused the closure of many pubs.

At the same time Barrett thinks sports games in pubs such as table soccer, darts and pool can and will survive; but many will need to be presented in a brighter,modern and more exciting fashion if such survival is to occur.

Snooker might lose its sponsors

It can be no consolation to those in pool, whether operator or publican, who suffer because of the current economic difficulties to learn that some top snooker players have been warned their sponsors might have to withdraw support unless things improve.

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