Drinkers toast fresh air in wake of smoking ban
IN SIX months, the smoking ban in Scotland has brought a breath of fresh air to Scotland's pubs, claim its supporters.
Despite the grumbling of smokers forced outside as the cold sets in, most of the feedback from customers in Edinburgh yesterday was positive.
Mike McGregor, 66, from Liberton, found his visits to his local curtailed eight years ago after developing late-onset asthma. He said: "In smoky pubs, I couldn't go in and I only lasted in clearer pubs for half an hour."
With the smoking ban in place, however, he is able to enjoy a drink with his friends once again. He added: "The smoking ban has meant that if my friends want to go to the pub, I can go along and stay as long as the money holds out."
Tim Douglas, a bar manager at Biblos on South Bridge, said the ban would hit harder in winter. "This summer, during nice days, people would go outside to smoke. It was almost a reason to keep smoking. But when it gets colder it will be a disincentive.
"It's definitely been great for the bar staff and I haven't heard any complaints from customers," he added.
James Nash, 27, from London, said over a pint at Logie Baird's that he quit smoking to coincide with the ban. "I figured it was just a matter of time before England followed suit, so I quit. I love going out in Edinburgh when I come to visit mates here."
