South Wales pub leads the way on smoking

A freehouse in South Wales is leading the way among pubs in the region by preparing customers for the ban.

Licensees Clyde Dent and Colin Prosser at the New Inn in Abercarn, Newport outlawed smoking in a third of the pub more than a year ago, and the pair are constantly talking to customers about the ban - which is expected to be introduced from April 2 2007.

The latest stage of the licensees' campaign has seen an eight metre by four metre awning installed outside the front of the pub, giving shelter over the patio as well as additional undercover dining. Although it cost them £2,500 the awning means giving the pub the ability to cater for a further 80 customers.

Planning permission was not required as the motorised awning is fully retractable.

Clyde Dent said: "I'm a smoker but I understand what we've got to do it and it's not going to go away.

"We're lucky in that we've got quite a large outside area and there's a lot that we can do. A lot of our smokers are already using it when it's busy inside."

Colin Prosser added: "Many people are still voicing the opinion that the ban may still be avoided. It won't, and the longer licensees wait with this hope in mind the less time they are giving themselves to adequately prepare their pub."

Mark Pratt, managing director at Broadview, which installed the awning, said: "There are a host of ideas publicans could invest in to keep both smokers and non-smokers happy, from comfortable outdoor furniture and heating, to entertainment and high quality food menus. Good promotions and careful investment in outdoor facilities should combine to keep both smokers and non-smokers happy."