Smoking ban at Wolves stadium (From Warrington Guardian)

Smoking ban at Wolves stadium

SMOKING will be banned at the home of Warrington Wolves from next season, the Warrington Guardian can reveal.

Bosses at the club agreed to ban smoking from January 1, 2006, in The Halliwell Jones Stadium after almost two thirds of fans returned questionnaires stating that they wanted to see smoking outlawed.

Andy Gatcliffe, chief executive, said: "The board of directors are extremely eager to improve the match day environment and, while it is not easy to please every fan on this issue, the health of all of our fans has to be the upmost priority."

Almost 9,000 fans returned a questionnaire with 63 per cent saying that they wanted a ban. Many fans said smoking in the stadium ruined their enjoyment of watching the games.

The club's links with the health sector has been emphasised with the opening of the health centre in the Martin Dawes Stand.

Mr Gatcliffe added: "After research into smoking and the effects of passive smoking, the club feels that the health of its fans is very important.

"Unpleasant side effects of smoking ruins many fans' enjoyment when attending a game and with increasing numbers of children coming to the games, the club has decided to act now."

The club is the first in Super League to enforce a complete ban on smoking in the ground. Other sports clubs such as Everton have also suggested bringing in such a ban.

There are still around 1,000 season tickets waiting to be collected. Club officials are urging people to pick them up before the first game on February 20 because they will not be available on that date.