Pub smokers face up to island ban

Cigarettes were smoked in pubs for the last time on Saturday

Smokers across the Isle of Man sparked up in pubs, restaurants and workplaces for the last time on Saturday night.

The ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces on the island came into force in the early hours of Sunday.

Anyone flouting the ban, designed to protect people from second-hand smoke, could face a fine of up to £5,000.

Despite the ban some premises can have designated smoking rooms, including hotels, private members' clubs and psychiatric units.

A government survey carried out while The Public Health (Tobacco) Bill was being drafted showed that almost 92% of households felt action was needed to reduce the exposure to second-hand smoke.

And despite fears in some quarters the ban will have an affect on trade, many landlords believe smokers will come back.

One Douglas landlord told the BBC: "I think it will [affect trade] to start off with, just while people get used to the idea of not being able to smoke.

"But being such a small place, once everyone has got used to the idea I think business will continue as normal."

The ban on smoking in public places came into force at 0400 GMT.