WINCHESTER City Centre Partnership's PubWatch is prepared for the introduction of a ban on smoking in enclosed public places on July 1.

Members began discussing the implications of the ban in March, and since then have been supported by city council environmental health staff who have fitted outdoor ashtrays to the exterior of some licensed premises.

Members have been advised by the city council's licensing staff on the implications of introducing designated outdoor smoking structures, and some licensees are talking to various parties to try to accommodate such areas.

PubWatch Chair, Louise Akers, licensee of the Slug and Lettuce, said: "Our members are 100 per cent prepared for this legislation. We aim to provide a pleasant evening out for everyone in Winchester, and there is no doubt that the ban on smoking will improve the environment in licensed premises. Equally importantly, the environment will improve for staff.

"I have arranged for a representative of the healthcare trust to attend the next PubWatch meeting on June 27 to discuss the health issues connected with the smoking ban and its possible effect on both customers and staff.

"The Slug and Lettuce went smoke free' early, on June 7 and, having given up smoking myself two years ago, I am so pleased we have turned into a no-smoking venue."

Winchester City Centre Partnership assistant manager, Keith Wilson, said: "PubWatch is an integral part of Winchester Community Safety Partnership, and a lot of our activities raise awareness of the health and social implications of alcohol and drugs misuse. We look upon the introduction of a ban on smoking as being another opportunity to promote health and wellbeing within the community."