Bar snuffs out smokers' cravings

A Bath pub landlord is offering free snuff to customers as a way around next year's public smoking ban.

Drinkers at the Star Inn, which was founded in 1759, are offered the ground, flavoured tobacco product from a variety of tins.

Landlord Paul Waters said snuff was now popular with younger drinkers looking to get a nicotine hit in a pub.

"We've been recently seeing more and more younger people coming in and giving it a try," he said.

The Star Inn has no jukebox, no games machines and no pool table.

Snuff manufacturer Gawith and Hoggarth, of Cumbria, has reported an increase in sales of its snuff.

A ban on smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants is already in place in Scotland.

MPs in England voted earlier this year for a total ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces which is due to come into effect in the summer of 2007.