TWO pubs in Worcestershire have revealed how going smoke-free ahead of the ban has boosted business.

From Sunday, July 1, lighting up in enclosed public spaces and workplaces will be banned.

Tina Cairns, landlady of the Retreat Inn, in Norton, near Worcester, said going smoke- free in April ahead of the new legislation coming into force was the best decision they had ever made.

She said: "I wish we'd done it sooner. It's so lovely for a working environment and for customers. Everybody loves it. We've not had one complaint."

Mrs Cairns, who runs the Woodbury Lane pub with her husband Paul, said they had constructed a heated outdoor shelter for smokers.

She said trade had increased because more tables were available to diners, and customers who smoke find they are cutting back.

Steve Dawson, manager of the Old Cock Inn, Droitwich, said that since the pub went fume-free in March, customers were enjoying tucking into food without breathing in second-hand smoke .

He said: "We concentrate mainly on food, so many people say it's better because they would rather eat their food in a smoke-free environment. The staff don't get the smoke blown in their faces by people at the bar and don't have to walk around in it."

Mr Dawson said staff who smoke find they are cutting down and customers do not mind going into the beer garden or the street to light up.

"No one has turned and walked back out because we are non-smoking," he said.

A canopy-style smoking shelter, with seating, lighting and heating is planned.