Smoking ban reduces pub CO levels
The smoking ban has been shown to reduce levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in pubs by two thirds.
Air was tested at four pubs in Somerset in May, and re-tested in August after the smoking ban began.
The tests in August revealed a 64% drop in CO levels on average.
North Somerset Council used an electrochemical carbon monoxide monitor to measure the air every five minutes over three days.
The Crab Apple in Clevedon registered the biggest fall in CO (87%), followed by the Anchor Inn, Easton-in-Gordano (73%) and the Blue Flame in Nailsea (71%).
The Royal Oak in Nailsea saw a smaller CO drop of 33%. A Council spokeswoman said CO levels can vary due to the size of the pub, the level of ventilation and how smoky it was before the ban.
Mick Davidson, freehold owner of the Blue Flame, said: "The pub is definitely cleaner and fresher. I've found it so much nicer."
However, he expressed fear that the ban would hit trade in the winter - and said the open fire used in the pub in the winter will see smoke return inside.
North Somerset Council's executive member for environment Carl Francis Pester said: "It is excellent to see the positive impact the smokefree laws are having on workplaces, particularly pubs.
"Not only is the brilliant news for anyone who works in these environments, it is also great for visitors. Now you can enjoy a visit to a pub without being exposed to the dangers of second hand smoke."
