PLANS to consign smoky pubs and bars to history are splitting opinion in Gwent.
Yesterday, later editions of the Argus reported how a ban on smoking in public places in Wales came a step closer.
Last year the Assembly voted to introduce a ban, although it do not have the power to legislate.
Baroness Ilora Finlay of Llandaff, a former non executive director with Gwent Health Authority, is pushing a Bill through Parliament that would give them that power - and says she is getting a lot of support.
She says the Bill could go through the House of Lords in a month. But it would then also have to go back to the Commons before becoming law.
The Assembly wants the ban to cut down on the large number of smoking-related illnesses and deaths in Wales.
But many people object, saying a smoke-free Wales would damage tourism and, particularly, the pub business.
Deputy health minister John Griffiths has long been a supporter of introducing a ban.
Speaking from Ireland, where it has been illegal to smoke in work places since March 29, the AM for Newport East said: "Here in Ireland I have seen first hand how the law works in practise. It is well observed and seems to be causing very few problems despite the predictions of the doom-mongers."
But Monmouth AM David Davies is opposed to a ban saying it would harm the pub trade and infringe on people's rights.
Former smoker Mr Davies said: "This is a matter of individual freedom. I don't smoke anymore myself and it doesn't bother me, if I don't like it I can go elsewhere. If there was a market for non-smoking pubs they would open."
One pub that did try a ban was the Lion Inn at Govilon. The experiment was so unsuccessful that the management left and new owners abandoned the policy.
Current landlady Averil Williams said: "We think it is impossible to have a smoking ban throughout the pub. If a ban was introduced in Wales a lot of pubs would shut down, people would just stay at home."
However, a smoking ban at St Mary's tearoom in Chepstow has proved to be a success.
Proprietor Michael Johns said: "I'm not sure about banning it everywhere but if that did happen I don't think it would hurt tourism as people are getting used to it in a lot of places."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article