Bar chains encourages staff to quit smoking

Bar chains Brannigans and Mood have launched a new campaign to help their staff quit smoking before next summer's smoking ban arrives.

The Trash The Ash campaign, launched on November 1, is designed to help staff quit smoking using quirky incentive schemes and ideas during work hours.

Staff who currently smoke will be offered advice, guidance and counselling to help them quit smoking.

Rob Burns, Herald Inns and Bars Operations director, said: "The smoking ban will definitely affect us and if we can start planning now, all the better.

"Creating a 'smoke-free' work policy gives staff the encouragement they need to quit in line with next year's ban. The idea of using quirky methods and techniques just helps to keep it fun and not too serious."

One of the main problems people have when they quit smoking is not having something to do with their hands. To counteract this Brannigans and Mood are giving 'quitters' stress balls to keep their hands busy.

Another technique managers will be employing is supplying staff with packets of chewing gum before their shifts start - to help them take their mind off wanting to smoke.

Other initiatives the companies plan to use include a positive thinking scheme, where staff will be asked to mentally prepare to stop smoking by repeating a mantra when they feel like a cigarette.

Smoking breaks will also be abolished and instead 'exercise breaks' will be introduced. This will give staff the opportunity to take part in a 10-minute workout to keep them busy during breaks.