CUSTOMERS of pubs and clubs in Worcestershire have been reminded not to take their drinks outside if they pop out for a cigarette when the smoking ban comes into force on Sunday, July 1.

Droitwich, Evesham and Pershore town centres are all covered by legislation to restrict drinking in the streets.

Worcester city centre also has a ban, but some pubs have licences allowing people to drink outside. These include the Conservatory and the Eagle Vaults in Friar Street and Number 12 and the Royal Exchange in The Cornmarket.

A spokesman for south Worcestershire police said: "This legislation reduces alcohol-related disorder and those who flout the alcohol bans could find themselves facing a fine, which could make for an expensive night out.

"If people want to go outside to smoke, police advice is to ensure alcoholic drinks are left inside in the care of a trustworthy member of the party who can keep an eye on them to ensure they are not spiked."

Malvern is not covered by an alcohol restriction.

The spokesman said: "We do not expect any problems in Malvern. There are sufficient premises with outside areas that people can smoke in."

Within designated areas, police will be able to confiscate open bottles and failure to comply is an arrestable offence, for which the maximum fine is £500.

The legislation does not apply to pub and bar garden areas.

Pub customers like our shelter so much they're using it before the smoking banSMOKERS at a Worcester pub are making the most of an outdoor shelter - even before the July 1 ban when they will be forced to use it whenever they light up.

David and Kerry Pickford, of the Goodrest Tavern in Barker Street, Rainbow Hill, completed their smoking shelter last September in time for the ban, which prohibits people from lighting up in enclosed public spaces and workplaces.

Mr Pickford said: "At the moment, people seem to be actually practising, ready for the first day of the ban.

"The customers seem to like it very much."

The wooden framed shelter, with a roof and open sides, is going to be equipped with a large television screen to ensure smokers do not miss any vital goals during big football games.

Mr Pickford said he hoped the family-orientated pub would now attract more customers.