'No concern' over smoke free laws

Cigarettes will be extinguished in pubs and bars from Sunday

Businesses in the Isle of Man should not be unduly concerned about the imminent smoking ban, a hospitality industry leader says.

The ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces comes into force in the early hours of Sunday.

Anyone flouting the ban could face a fine of up to £5,000.

But Theo Fleurbaay, chairman of the Manx Hospitality Partnership, said smoking bans in some countries had not had a poor effect on trade.

He said: "I don't really think we should be too worried because it shows it doesn't really have that much of a negative effect on businesses in the hospitality sector."

Mr Fleurbaay, owner of the Arrandale Hotel and Holiday apartments in Douglas, added: "I was worried myself in the beginning because we do have a significant number of people who are smokers as our guests.

"If you look at those areas where the smoking ban has been in place for a number of years already I think we shouldn't be worried too much because it actually shows in certain areas that business has actually gone up."

The ban on smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants, comes into force at 0400 GMT on 30 March.