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Pub boss stubs out smoking

Bethan Dorsett
19/11/2004

A PUB landlord has become the first in Rochdale to stub out smoking for good.

The Fairview Inn, in Broad Lane, is a complete no-smoking zone, stretching from the bar to the restaurant.

Any customers wanting to light up will have to do so outside.

Boss John Ketley decided to follow Ireland's lead of imposing an all-out ban following complaints from customers about smoke-logged rooms.

"It is a contentious issue, but somebody has to be the first to set the standard," he said.

"I don't think we will be getting too many complaints. We attract families with children so we don't think smoking is appropriate.

"It is a huge building, but it is very difficult to stop the smoke spreading."

The Fairview's move came just as the government announced a ban on smoking in restaurants and pubs serving food, which will affect around 90 per cent of pubs and take effect in 2008.

Rochdale MP Lorna Fitzsimons supports the Fairview's actions but also John Reid's plans, which leaves non-food pubs free to decide about a ban.

But having worked in pubs as a student, she says the health of the staff is of prime concern.

She added that the ban could even give some smokers the drive to kick the habit.

The town centre's Pub and Club Watch said it agrees with a ban in restaurants where children are present, but feared some venues could lose the trade of social smokers.

Directors Mark Foxley and Martyn Turner pointed to a survey carried out by a trade magazine, which predicted an £190M loss of revenue when the ban in Ireland came in.

In a joint statement, they said: "We believe that the way forward is not for a total ban, but to allow people freedom of choice."