Smokers resort to ‘cunning' plans to get round smoking ban

Smokers' "cunning" plans to find ways to enjoy a cigarette and a drink following the introduction of the smoking ban, either through legal means or legal loopholes, are being met with derision.

Dawn Clarke, manager of the Old Ship Inn in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, claims to have found a loophole in the ban by building a private hotel room which she can ‘invite' smokers into.

As the Old Ship Inn is licensed as a pub and hotel, guests can stay in designated smoking room.

Anti-smoking campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) have labelled the idea as "barmy" saying it would result in a £2,500 fine.

Meanwhile, Enterprise Inns owned boozer, the Ceaders in Coventry, is facing a petition against plans for the creation of an awning outside the pub to shelter smokers.

Around 50 local residents have signed a petition objecting to the levels of noise and litter that the currently unsheltered smokers have created claiming there is plenty of room at the back for shelters.

A spokeswoman for Enterprise Inns told the Coventry Observer, that they would try to work with local residents and the council to find a suitable solution.

Finally a protest march against the ban held in Somerset attracted just 40 people over the weekend.

The organisers told the BBC: "We were a little disappointed with the numbers - but we had a lot of support from spectators."

Blackpool landlord could be first to face smoking ban fine >>

Read more news and analysis on the smoking ban here >>

Read the full article in the Coventry Observer here >>

By Christopher Walton

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