LANDLORDS in Hyndburn are already gearing up for the national smoking ban in July with many planning outdoor shelters in an effort to appease customers.

From 1 July it will be an offence to smoke in enclosed public places such as pubs, hotels, football grounds and offices.

Those found smoking can be issued with an on-the-spot fine of £50 and those in charge of the premises could be fined up to £2,500 for not promoting a smoke-free atmosphere.

Eight premises owners in Hyndburn have expressed an interest in applying for planning permission for an outdoor smoking shelter which will be exempt from the banning order.

But Hyndburn Council is expecting an influx in applications as the ban looms closer.

Ian Harrison, from the Hare and Hounds pub in Oswaldtwistle, said: "A lot of our customers do smoke because this is a non-eating establishment so we are not going to be able to rely on food sales.

"We are hoping to build a shelter but we will have to wait and see how it affects business."

A similar ban is already in force in Scotland and Northern Ireland will follow suit on 30 April.

Rishton British Legion steward Andrew Crowther said customers are concerned about the ban and revealed that a smoking shelter was also in the pipelines at the Walmsley Street venue.

He added: "It will definitely affect business. We are hoping to have a shelter in the back yard but that's really all we can do about it."

A spokesman for the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, in Clayton-le-Moors, said a conservatory is currently the designated smoking area in the building but that will have to be changed as a result of the new law.

Landlord David Shackleton and his wife Julie of the Boar's Head, on Burnley Road, said they are preparing to lose a few customers as a result of the ban.

David, 41, said: "Some of our customers only come in to have a smoke and a pint so they said they just won't bother after the ban.

"Of course it will affect business but we will just have to wait and see what happens. There might be a positive side to it though, Julie and myself are quitting smoking as a result of the ban."

A smoking shelter costing £3,500 will be fitted at the Boars Head and ready for use in June.

The Whitakers Arms on Burnley Road, Accrington, has already got a smoking shelter in place.

The glass and stainless steel structure, which was put up a couple of months ago, was manufactured and installed by Accrington-based company The Smoking Area.

The pub which serves food, already bans smoking while customers are eating.

Landlord Paul Brankin said that a lot of his regulars are seeing the new law as an incentive to quit smoking.

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