Leeds' first no-smoking pub opens

Smokers will have to stub out before entering the Arcadia bar

The first non-smoking pub in Leeds opened its doors on Wednesday.

Owners of the Arcadia Ale and Wine Bar in Headingley say they will be trying to get more discerning customers through the doors.

Using research from beer festivals held in Leeds and Bradford, Market Town Taverns says it will be a popular move.

It follows a test schemes at the Leeds University bar which banned smoking but was deemed unsuccessful after profits dropped.

Market Town Taverns, which is opening the new pub, says it has talked to hundreds of people during recent events held by the Campaign for Real Ale.

Popular move

Research showed there was a high number of drinkers who approved the move with 83% of those questioned wanting smoke-free zones within pubs.

The new bar on Otley Road, is situated in the middle of Headingley's student pub area.

But the owners said they will not be too upset if the students stay away.

People who wish to smoke will have to do so outside Ian Fozard Market Town Taverns

Founder and managing director of Market Town Taverns, Ian Fozard, said: "We have already excluded alco-pops, gaming machines and loud piped music from all our taverns, and are delighted to have launched Leeds' first no-smoking tavern.

"People who wish to smoke will have to do so outside."

The launch of Leeds' first no-smoking tavern comes a week after a smoking ban started in all pubs and workplaces in the Republic of Ireland and after civic chiefs in Sheffield announced they would like to achieve the same in the city through voluntary means.