LANDLORDS who are to be forced to call time on smoking in their pubs breathed a collective sigh of relief that a blanket ban is to be introduced.

All welcomed the new laws which will make pubs, clubs and bars smoke free zones by next summer.

And they have no worries about a downturn in trade as a result of the ban, although most are planning to create outdoor facilities for customers who want to enjoy a cigarette with their drink.

In a straw poll conducted by the Wilmslow Express all were keen to endorse the legislation which will make their premises healthier for bar staff as well as their regulars.

The changes are to be introduced as a result of a free vote which was taken last week in the House of Commons to ban smoking in public places.

After it comes into force people caught lighting up will face £50 on the spot fines and premises that allow smoking will be fined up to £2,500.

Jo Resina, landlady at the King William, Wilmslow, with husband Franco said: "I'm glad it is to include all pubs, not just pubs with food. That would have hit us and I was concerned but because the law is to apply everywhere it will be fine."

She added: "It may even improve the food side of our business. Last week we were fully booked in the non-smoking area and we could have filled more tables."

Neither Jo or Franco smoke cigarettes, but said they have friends and family who do and consider about 25 per cent of their regulars are smokers.

They expect the legislation to force smokers to give up the habit, but for those who stick with it she said: "We have a nice patio area at the back and have shelter there for anyone who wants to nip out for a smoke."

Anita Eyres, licensee at The Farmers Arms, Wilmslow, said she too was "quite glad" a ban was to be introduced and "pleased" it was to apply to all licensed premises.

Her concerns were for non smokers: "It's a shame for people who don't smoke, it spoils their enjoyment. But I think there should have been an option for a smoking room," she said.

Anita plans to open an outside area to cater for smokers.

The response was also upbeat at the Drum and Monkey, Alderley Edge, run by James Lavin.

Barman James Tomlinson said: "It shouldn't be a problem. People can go outside for a cigarette. I think smokers accept this is coming. It works fine in Ireland. They even have a sign to clip onto their pint saying they have gone for a smoke. It stops bar staff emptying it."

He went on: "It's fairer on bar staff who breath in so much smoke in the air"

Ann DeMouilpied at the Carters Arms had firm views about individual freedom and was disappointed the electorate had not been consulted beforehand in a referendum.

She said: "I don't think it will be a problem for me. It might pose a greater problem for pubs without catering facilities.

But she added: " I am disgusted and horrified that anyone can say you will not do this or that.

"It is disgraceful to restrict human rights. I think we should have had a referendum on it.

"It's disgusting the way we are just dictated to and we are just sitting back and taking it. I don't think it will be that easy in France."

In preparation for the ban Smoke Free Cheshire at Eastern Cheshire PCT urged businesses to act sooner rather than later and has come up with a package to help draft a smoke free policy.

A spokesman said the legislation will involve employers committing to paper their company's approach to smoking issues, including whether smoking will be allowed in grounds and if support sessions will be offered to staff.

Advisor, Laura Shard, said: "We would encourage employers to act sooner rather than later. This will allow proper consultation with staff, making sure they understand the upcoming changes and that any problems or concerns are fully addressed before the ban becomes compulsory.

"The legislation's main aim is to protect workers from the dangers of second hand smoke, so the sooner smoke free policies are in place the more effective the impact on their health.

"This vote will protect hundreds of employees in Eastern Cheshire and save lives."

The Specialist Stop Smoking Service will arrange therapy sessions for staff who want to quit, or those who wish to continue smoking but need support to get through a shift without a cigarette.

Laura Thackeray, stop smoking advisor, is available to offer advice and support over ways to cope and can arrange Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) by prescription, reducing the cost of buying it.

She said: "We can offer support and advice to anyone who wants to stop smoking, without giving any lectures."

Under the new laws smoking will also be banned in cinemas and other public places classed as enclosed.

The vote on whether to ban smoking in all pubs was carried by 453 to 125, a massive majority of 328.

MPs then voted for prohibition to be extended to private members' clubs like golf clubs by 384 votes to 184, a majority of 200.

The vote will bring England in line with Scotland and Northern Ireland, which have all moved towards banning smoking in all enclosed public places.

Most offices are already smokefree because of concerns about prosecutions under existing health and safety legislation. But the new law will consign smoking rooms to history and make lighting up in the workplace illegal.