Smoking in enclosed public places and workspaces became illegal at 4am yesterday. Nicci Martel and Tom Bradshaw report on how the ban was faring

FINE weather might have eased the alfresco smokers at The Rockmount into their new routine as gently as possible, but the overwhelming consensus was that the ban was welcome.

Diners commented how clean and clear everything looked, barmen spoke of the health benefits and smokers enjoyed the sunshine.

‘There is no smell and I can clearly see everyone throughout the pub. It is marvellous,’ said Evelyne Banfield, who had popped into the west-coast pub with her husband, Mike, after their morning swim at Cobo. The daily sea bathers do the same thing every Sunday and refer to The Rockmount as their clubhouse.

‘I have been looking forward to this day for years,’ said Mr Banfield. ‘After our ritual sea swim, it is a pleasure not to have to come into a smoky atmosphere.’

He said his eyes would no longer itch and the real benefit would be going home without his clothes and hair smelling of smoke.

He joked that no one would be able to tell he had gone to the pub.

Barman Daniel Hemming said the first few hours of the ban passed without any significant problems.

People were happily smoking outside in the sunshine, but he said the real test would be the first day of bad weather and he expected a downturn in winter trade.

‘We have only had one incident in the back bar when one of the locals lit up by accident simply out of habit,’ said the 19-year-old.

‘As soon as we reminded him about the ban, he was very apologetic and extinguished it immediately. For some it is going to take a little getting used to, but I’m sure the majority are going to willingly accept it.’

He said many of the locals in the back bar were smokers but they had all bought their drinks and gone

straight outside.

Liam Richardson, 28, said: ‘On a day like today, I would be outside anyway.’

One smoker, who wished not to be named, said the ban was a ‘nightmare’.

Mr Hemmings said there had been a couple of complaints but people had generally been positive. ‘Those eating meals have been particularly pleased,’ he said.

Fran Fitzgerald, 27, had come to The Rockmount for lunch with a friend.

‘I used to smoke but gave up as a New Year’s resolution. I very much welcome the ban as I will no longer be tempted to smoke and I think it is great for the island in general.’

Her friend, who asked not to be named, thought the blanket ban had taken things a little too far.

‘I don’t think it was necessary to ban it in the nightclubs and I think the first big weekend night is going to prove a real test for them as to whether people abide by it and how well it is policed, because many people will just forget.’

SMOKERS at the White Rock Cafe were adjusting to having their morning cup of coffee without its accompanying cigarette.

Many of them were sitting outside in the good weather, but not all of them were happy about it.

‘We’ll get used to it, but it is a shame. We’ve always been used to smoking in here. It’s the victimisation of smokers that I’m concerned about. It’s sunny today but in the winter, I’m going to be cold, wet and angry,’ said Chris Fallaize, a regular at the cafe.

Some non-smokers were also not happy about the ban. One of them said that smoking had never bothered him before and that his friends should be allowed to smoke if they wanted to.

Rob Help, 42, a States Works employee, said: ‘I don’t smoke and I’m not against the ban, but it’s never been a problem coming in here when people are smoking.’

A cigarette bin was outside the door and new no-smoking signs were displayed inside.

One member of staff said that she had noticed some regulars staying for only 30 minutes instead of their usual couple of hours. She also said that some customers liked to pop in and out at least three or four times a day to catch up with friends and she could not see this being the case any longer.

She said that it did not seem any less smoky, but she would notice a difference in the winter when the windows were closed.

But not everyone saw problems with the ban. One customer, who did not wish to be named, vehemently agreed with the move.

‘Smokers are second-class citizens.

‘If I walk past someone in the street smoking, I have to cover my mouth – it makes me vomit.’