ONE of Guernsey’s top restaurants is banning smoking from next month. Clients at La Fregate will be allowed to smoke only in the seating area of the bar. Private parties will be allowed to make their own decision about whether to allow smoking in the private dining room.

‘For years we have never had a set policy and it has been down to the clients’ choice,’ said director Chris Sharp.

‘If there is nothing in place it is difficult to get it right or wrong and sometimes we get a guest who does not consider other people, but we could not do anything about it.

‘Now there is a definitive ruling for staff to work by.’

The new policy is being enforced from 1 May by restaurant manager Laurent Boucher.

‘I think it is fairly draconian to introduce total bans, like in Dublin, but the industry has to be aware that smokers are in the minority,’ said Mr Sharp.

‘This way non-smokers can enjoy their meal in peace, but smokers have somewhere to go that does not feel like the other side of the moon – and it is fine if they want to go between courses, which we will try to accommodate.’