ASHTRAYS will disappear from the tables of a March pub on May 1 when the town s first smoking ban comes into force. The Rose and Crown will become smoke-free two months before the nationwide ban on smoking in pubs and clubs comes into force, giving regula

ASHTRAYS will disappear from the tables of a March pub on May 1 when the town's first smoking ban comes into force.

The Rose and Crown will become smoke-free two months before the nationwide ban on smoking in pubs and clubs comes into force, giving regulars who smoke the chance to get used to the new law.

Landlady Jackie Milson said: "I have done it to create a nicer environment for the non-smokers, as well as the smokers, who come in and have a drink.

"Everybody has got to do it from July 1 and I do not think it can do any harm to bring in the ban a little earlier.

"Obviously, there will be people who, in the first couple of months, generally forget but I will just ask them to go outside and finish their cigarette. It gives them the opportunity to get used to the ban."

Miss Milson, landlady of the St Peter's Road pub for 15 months, has been advertising her ban with posters in the bars.

She will provide a sheltered smoking area outside the pub for smokers if they wish to have a quick cigarette. Ashtray bins will also be located outside and emptied every day.

Miss Milson said some of her regulars who smoke were not happy at first but, after speaking to them, said they understood her move to bring in the ban early.