The Horse and Groom at Rollesby has decided not to wait for the July 1 Government smoking restrictions in public places to come into force, and has asked customers to stub out now.

Having taken advice from Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s Smoke-free Workplace Co-ordinator Ivan Clark - the pub, restaurant, conference venue and 20-bed hotel went smoke-free on June 1.

“We see ourselves as an eating pub, although we have a restaurant as well,” explained General Manager Elaine Tolman.

“The restaurant has been non-smoking for a while, and earlier this year we banned smoking near the bar. So I talked to the staff and we decided to put the ban in place now, to get customers into practice.

“Apart from the odd person making a comment, on the whole it has been a good decision. We have found that people who weren’t happy to sit in the pub and eat, find it much pleasanter now.

“Ivan came to see us, and I have to say he is the most helpful person I have come across.

“We walked around the premises and he told us what signage we required and where it needed to be displayed.

“Smokers will be able to use a patio outside when they want a cigarette. And Ivan was impressed with our gadget for picking up the butt-ends that don’t get into the bins. We have invested in a leaf-collector to deal with the problem.”

“The Horse and Groom aren’t the only company to go smoke free early,” said Ivan. “La Continental a café restaurant on Regent Road decided to make June 1 its deadline as well.

“I have seen hundreds of businesses to advise on what they need to do to meet the Government’s regulations. I will be available until September to help any company that still feels it might need to do more.

“It isn’t only buildings that are affected, company vehicles also come under the legislation. So if anyone feels they need help, please give me a call on 01493 846478 or 07795 428180.”

For further information contact Smoke-free Workplace Co-ordinator Ivan Clark on 01493 846478 or 07795 428180 or email ilc@great-yarmouth.gov.uk