SMOKERS will be asked to stub-out their cigarettes in a growing number of Bolton's pubs and restaurants following the launch of a new clean-air campaign.

Dave Turtington, the consumer protection manager from Bolton Environmental Health Services, wants people to freely tuck into their food and knock back their drinks - without choking on cigarette smoke.

And he aims to give local eateries and public houses an incentive by awarding them gold and silver accolades from the Roy Castle Good Air Award campaign.

He said: "Both non-smokers and smokers are increasingly demanding a smoke-free environment for eating. This scheme provides both an incentive for pubs and restaurants and information for the public to allow a greater choice."

One restaurant, the Patagonia Cafe in Bradshawgate, has already applied for a Gold Award. Manager Helen Arrona said: "As specialists in different coffees we wanted our customers to be able to smell coffee rather than cigarette smoke as they enter the cafe. Being smoke-free has proved very popular."

The scheme was developed in West Yorkshire and was spearheaded by Roy Castle, the popular television personality and presenter of Record Breakers. The non-smoker died of lung cancer which was thought to have been caused through performing in smoke-filled atmospheres.

Mr Turtington added: "The growth in 'family pubs' has also resulted in a need for consideration of smoke-free areas within pubs too."

But Martin Bell, the corporate director of the smoking rights group, FOREST, believes the initiative could drive business away from cafes and pubs.

He said: "I believe it should be left to customer preference but there is evidence that companies that 'fag nag' smokers tend to put people off.

"The fact is, if you go into a pub then you tend not to be shocked that the vast majority of people are smoking because people go to relax. It may sound shocking but people do enjoy smoking.

"Completely banning smoking in a pub or restaurant could be an unpopular move and it can have a knock-on effect with tolerant friends of smokers also avoiding smoke-free establishments."

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