Blanket ban on smoking in hotel

Guests are now unable to smoke anywhere in the hotel

A hotel in Cumbria has become totally smoke free, six months ahead of a national smoking ban in public places.

The decision, at North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith, will affect staff and guests and covers bars, meeting and events rooms as well as all bedrooms.

This goes further than the 1 July legislation, which allows hotels to designate some guest rooms for smoking.

The hotel's management said the move was in recognition that the tide of public opinion has changed.

The move has been welcomed by the local council.

Councillor Bryan Metz, chairman of Eden District Council's environment committee said: "A smoke-free environment not only protects staff and guests from second-hand smoke but also helps smokers themselves to quit.

"The national ban will still allow hotels to designate some guest rooms for smoking if they wish.

"I am glad therefore that North Lakes Hotel and Spa has gone further than the law requires them to and I hope that other hotels and guesthouses in Eden will follow their example."