Chancellor Alistair Darling has stated that the smoking ban has had a negative effect on pubs.
Following the British Beer and Pub Association's comments that the number of failing pubs is "acerbating rapidly", Mr Darling told journalists there is "no doubt" the smoking ban has had an impact.
He added that a variety of things have also contributed to some pubs' troubles.
The association has estimated that 27 pubs a week are now shutting down across the UK.
Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post, Graham Rowson of the Plungington Hotel in Fulwood said the ban has been "absolutely disastrous", while Ronnie Fitzpatrick, who runs the Dog and Partridge in Friargate, said the ban is "destroying" pubs without smoking shelters.
He added that the impact is getting greater as the weather gets colder.
Last month, Gerry Sutcliffe, licensing minister, said the government should be helping to support community pubs and prevent them from going bust.
His comments followed the pre-Budget report which saw new duties imposed on beer.
