Will we feel put out by the smoking ban? (From Warrington Guardian)

Will we feel put out by the smoking ban?

A SMOKING ban that is to be enforced by 2007 will affect all pubs and clubs throughout Warrington.

We went out to the town centre pubs to find out what it will mean to staff and landlords.

Sarah Mackie, assistant manager of the Blue Bell, Horsemarket Street, said: "I think it's a good idea from a purely personal point of view, because I'm a non-smoker."

Landlord Danny Joy, from The Prince of Wales pub, Scotland Road, commented: "I've tried to make sure that there isn't a lot of smoke surrounding the staff if I can help it. I've got fans above the bar and I open the doors."

Bar manager Aiden Grannell, from The Lower Angel, Buttermarket Street, put forward his views on the act: "I have already had about four customers today say they won't be able to come here.

"It will affect us quite heavily, but unfortunately we have no alternative."

Shift manager Stephanie King, from Yates's Wine Lodge, Buttermarket Street, said: "If they enforce it we will probably lose trade because I think a lot of people come to pubs because they want to smoke."

The ban was agreed by MPs voting last week and is likely to be enforced by 2007.