Is it time to stub it out? (From Gazette Series)

Is it time to stub it out?

RESIDENTS and landlords throughout Dursley reacted pragmatically to the news of the ban.

Concerns have been raised, however, over the lack of choice given to owners of bars and clubs.

Stavros Antonio, landlord of The Bell in Long Street, said: "The government ban in public places and restaurants is a good idea. With bars and clubs though, it should be up to the landlord to decide whether it's smoking or non-smoking.

"I don't expect the ban to have a huge affect on business. If it's banned everywhere then people will just have to follow suit."

Kate Tudgay, landlord of the Kings Head Inn, Parsonage Street, said: "This pub is very much a smoking and drinking venue, but not much has been said about the ban - it seems to have been accepted.

"It's actually quite good for us because if we'd have had to make the choice between smoking and food, we'd have had to choose smoking. Now we don't have to do that, we can continue to serve food - something we really like doing."

Stroud MP David Drew, who voted in favour of the ban, said: "I welcome the ban on smoking. You cannot have people working in an atmosphere where the health risk is clear. Staff and customers must be protected.

"I don't expect it to have a huge effect on businesses - people will surely enjoy smoking in an atmosphere that is smoke free."