England will embrace the smoking ban on July 1 this year which means lighting up will be banned in all public indoor spaces.

People caught smoking will face a £50 fine while establishments could face a £2,500 fine if they fail to stop them.

Establishments could also be charged on-the-spot fines of £200 if they fail to display no-smoking signs, with the penalty increasing to £1,000 if the issue goes to court.

With the smoking ban just over two months away, the Mercury asked some local pubs how they would be coping with the drastic change.

Some premises are already putting in plans to accommodate the new laws.
The Crown in Matlock is putting in an application for an external seating area to provide an area for smokers to sit in comfort.

Simon Flitter, manager of the Crown, said: "I think food sales will go up but liquor sales may fall. We do not think it will affect us too dramatically though because if people are eating they will be drinking too.

"Obviously if our application for a pavement seating area does not go through then this may affect us as people will have to go outside to smoke but will not be able to take their drinks which could be disappointing for them."

The Maltshovel on Oakerthorpe Road, Wirksworth is applying for an external smoking shelter.

The pub is part of Marstons PLC which also owns the Grouse and Claret at Rowsley which has been a smoke-free pub for nearly three years.

Tricia Burns, area sales manager for Marstons Inns and Taverns, said: "We have seen substantial year on year growth since the Grouse and Claret became non-smoking.

"It has attracted more elderly people and families and had a positive impact on accommodation bookings as well."

The Greyhound pub at Cromford is erecting two heated parasol shelters for the comfort of its smoking customers. Andy Johnson from the pub thinks the ban is a good idea on health grounds but that it has been implemented badly.

He said: "I think what should have happened was publicans have the choice of totally non-smoking and totally smoking venues and the decision should have been in their hands.

"I have a friend who runs a pub in Wales and in the first weekend of the ban being implemented he had £35,000 of damage. He tried to stop people lighting up, they refused, a council official came and issued them a fine and they totally wrecked the place.

"My customers think it is terrible, but we are English, we like to have a good moan but we go ahead and comply anyway."

Tell us what you think, is the smoking ban a good idea or not? Email us on news@matlockmercury.co.uk.