Opinion split on smoking ban

LICENSEES have reacted with mixed feelings over new laws on a smoking ban in pubs. The new legislation passed by MPs in the Commons will stub out smoking in all pubs and private members clubs. Wendy Hardiman, licensee at the Green Man, Shepreth, was unsure about the move. She said: "I think the ban is good, but the Government is taking away our rights. "If you were to come in here at 5pm, we have so many smokers that I find it can be too much. "But we are lucky because last year we had canopies put on our patio, which is a heated area so people can smoke out there. I don't think this will affect us that much." The Plough at Shepreth, has been a non-smoking pub for a year. Licensee Simon Day said: "We are pleased, really, really pleased. It's levelled out the playing field for us. "When we went non-smoking it went down well, but, obviously, we have lost some of our customers because people don't want to stand outside for a cigarette. "I'm all for it especially from a worker's point of view." Toby Snowdon, licensee at the Heath Sports Centre in Royston, said: "Obviously, it was welcomed here. We cater for large family groups, so it's all good news for us. "I'm just grateful that it has been done across the board, which is definitely a positive move. "Obviously, it's going to upset a couple of regulars, but we are going to make an adequate provision for smokers outside. "This might even persuade them to give up once they realise that it is anti-social." Mary Duckett, steward at the Royal British Legion club in Mill Road, Royston, said: "We've got mixed feelings. We've got quite a few smokers, but I should think they will carry on coming. "We will have to have some facilities outside for smokers, like they do in Ireland. "It's difficult to say if there will be a loss in trade until it happens, but it's possible that there could be," she added.