Nightclub operator Luminar today posted a 56% profits rise despite the smoking ban being introduced in July.

The company, which operates the Oceana, Lava & Ignite and Liquid nightclub brands, made underlying pre-tax profits of £12.6 million in the six months to August 30.

Luminar said the ban had a 'marginal impact' across its 88 clubs so far, although it added its 41 unbranded venues had fared worse than its 47 branded operations following the legislation.

Luminar said it had seen 'weaknesses' in its unbranded venues after the ban.

The firm has tried to ensure that all its venues have smoking terraces and rolled out scenting units across its venues to combat the sweaty odours from dancing clubbers, but said it was still to find a 'suitable smoking solution' for 11 of its sites.

Like-for-like sales from the unbranded venues slipped 7% over the period, although this was more than offset by a 13.4% increase from branded clubs. Shares were off 14.5p, or 2.3%, to 618 pence.