Fire strike forces stadium smoking ban

The ban will apply to the whole of the Fratton Park

A first division club has decided to ban smoking because of the impending firefighters' strike.

Portsmouth FC plays Preston on 29 October - the first day of the firefighters' stoppage.

The ban will apply to the whole of the Fratton Park stadium, including bars and lounges.

The club took the decision because it fears the green goddesses, that are on standby for the night, would be inadequate should a fire start in the stadium.

'Fire risk'

The Safety Advisory Panel and the Football Licensing Authority advised the Hampshire club to impose the no smoking policy at the ground which has a capacity of 19,000.

A spokesman for the club said: "We are trying to reduce the fire risk to nil as the green goddesses and those manning them only have the capacity to contain any potential fire and not extinguish it.

"The safety of supporters is paramount.

"The no smoking ban will be stringently enforced by the safety officer, stewards and staff and everybody's co-operation is greatly appreciated in advance."