Back to bar after the ban

11:17am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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FOR one pub landlord the smoking ban has meant he has been able to return to a career he loves.

Gary Weston, landlord of The Bell at Great Cheverell, near Devizes, took over the Grade II listed pub which was once featured on TV's Relocation Relocation, one week before the introduction of the ban.

Mr Weston was previously forced to give up being a landlord after 20 years in the trade after his doctor discovered he showed the early signs of emphysema. He was told to quit as the smoky conditions of pre-ban pubs were having a negative effect on his health. However, with the introduction of the ban, Mr Weston could return to his profession.

Now that the smoke is gone from the bar, there has been a much better focus on creating a family-friendly atmosphere in the pub. Many new faces have been attracted to the Bell since the introduction of the ban. "People that wouldn't have brought children to the pub before are visiting more regularly, particularly for the food, and older people are coming in more," he said.

Of course, smokers are still welcome at The Bell. Like many other establishments, a designated smoking area has been created outside the pub. "The reaction to the ban has been generally positive, 98 per cent of people have no problem with it," he said.

He said the reception from the locals has been very welcoming.

"The Bell is a cracking pub, in a cracking location," he said.

And with the smoking ban firmly in place, it looks set to stay very popular with the patrons.