 There are about 25 smoke-free pubs in Britain |
A totally smoke-free pub, believed to be Wales' first, has won the backing of both the anti-tobacco lobby and the campaign for smokers' rights. Lighting up is strictly prohibited for customers at The Lounge Bar on Swansea's Wind Street when it opens its doors for the first time on Friday night.
Ex-smoker Dominic Hughes is behind the venture and believes it will prove a hit with revellers in the city.
It has won the backing of both the anti-tobacco and smokers' rights lobbies.
 |  The vast majority of the public now want to both eat and drink in a smoke-free atmosphere  |
Mr Hughes said: "I'm sticking my neck out a bit but I'm certain it will be a success.
"I'm not anti-smoking. Wind Street has a thriving social scene and all I'm doing is giving people the choice to eat and drink in a smoke free environment."
Pressure group
There will be discreet signs informing people about the policy and door staff will also make customers aware that cigarettes are not allowed.
"I'm hoping that it will police itself," he added.
"If someone does light-up then they will be told politely that it is a smoke-free environment and asked to either put the cigarette out or finish it outside."
The opening of The Lounge Bar has been welcomed by the anti-smoking pressure group Ash (Action on Smoking and Health).
| It shows we do not need legislation as the hospitality industry is making its own policies |
It believes the pub may be the first in Wales to have a blanket ban on nicotine.
Naomi King of Ash in Wales said: "We know from all the polls that the vast majority of the public now want to both eat and drink in a smoke-free atmosphere and it makes good business sense too.
"New research from the United States says that smoke-free bars and restaurants are a hit with both customers and staff - New York saw an increase of 10,000 jobs in the hospitality industry in the months following a ban on smoking."
'Range of options'
Smokers' rights group Forest (Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco) is also supportive.
A spokeswoman said she also believed it to be the first pub of its type in Wales, although there are about 25 throughout the UK.
"We wish them every success," said the spokeswoman.
"It shows we do not need legislation as the hospitality industry is making its own policies.
"A lot of people want lots of different things from their night out.
"Somewhere like Swansea is a city large enough to sustain a range of options."
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