IT has finally happened. After months of build up the smoking ban is now law and it is illegal to light up in public places.

There may be grumbles from many indignant smokers who fear the Government has eroded their personal freedom but this is one campaign which really will help the health of the nation and future generations to come.

The biggest impact has been in pubs and clubs throughout the country where smoking has always gone hand in hand with a drink. Now smokers either have to stop, or stand outside if they want a cigarette.

Some doom-mongers claim it will be the end of pubs as we know them and that more people will buy cheap alcohol from the supermarket and retreat to their homes to drink and smoke.

But others say more non-smokers and families will return to pubs they deserted because of the cigarette smoke and that many more pubs will offer food.

Health professionals say the ban will help cut the numbers of deaths from smoke related illnesses - surely the best reason for supporting the ban.

Those who continue to smoke will be subject to a fixed penalty fine but that threat did not stop Swan licensee Nick Hogan from staging a national protest at The Swan pub in Bolton town centre yesterday.

He informed smokers of the law but did not eject anyone who lit up. He says the law infringes human rights and is discriminatory against smokers.

In the face of fines which could total £2,500 it will be interesting to see how long his stance lasts.

The council is adopting a "softly softly" approach but has promised to come down hard on law breakers.

We feel most people in this country are law abiding and the smoking ban will be self-policing with the vast majority deciding, however reluctantly, to obey the law of the land - and feel healthier for it.