Rising Sun leads the way by banishing all smokers

A Cheltenham hotel is on e of the first in the region to ban smoking. The Rising Sun Hotel in Cleeve Hill became smoke-free this week.

Manager Parviz Tabai, a former smoker, made the decision to improve health and safety. It was approved by Greene King Pub Company, which owns the hotel.

Mr Tabai, 49, who has managed the hotel for 10 years said: "we've experienced complaints from customers and staff about smoking. People said they can't enjoy the food and the smoke make their clothes smell. There is also the safety aspect - the risk of fire will be reduced."

"There's a whole number of issues including the impact on health. Havinf worked in the industry for 30 years it'll be a dream not to empty ashtrays anymore. Smokers have to go outside for a cigarette. A heated outdoor area will be provided."

In recognition of his decision to ban smoking Mr Tabai has also received a National Clean Air Award from The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The award is endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

Greene King Pub Company, which owns 700 pubs and hotels, is adopting a non-smoking policy across all its premises. Several other licensed premises in the country have also banned smoking. They include the Boat Inn at Ashleworth , the Air Balloon near Bidlip, Warner's Cafe Bar at The Roses Theatre in Tewksbury and the Gupshill Manor, also in Tewksbury.

Despite government move towards a blanket ban on smoking in public places, a survery in May revealed 75 percent of people in the UK don't want tobacco outlawed in pubs

Source: Gloucestershire Echo Thursday 19 August 2004