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."