Agreed, I think it beneficial to embrace this change rather than fight against it, because it is a fact.
Excuse this 'blatant' plug, but we have done exactly that at 'Soul in the Bowl' here in Northants, advertising in local newspapers etc - The upshot being that we attract over 250 people, yes some we see as 'Bubble Wrap', but they come, they ad to the great atmosphere, and have a great time - Some of these newcomers seem intrigued with 'Len's Den' (which is the second room) and feel comfortable staying in there albeit 'sight seeing'. All this has got to better than a room with not enough people playing great music, with no atmosphere.
It works well for us anyway.
All the best,
Len