THE landlords of a pub near Shap have followed in the footsteps of New York and Dublin by introducing an outright ban on smoking.

The Mardale Inn, at Bampton, is now standing proud as the first entirely non-smoking pub in the area after a successful three-month trial this summer.

Smokers visiting the Mardale Inn, formerly the St Patrick's Well Inn, now have to step outside in order to light up.

But, according to landlords Neil and Katherine Stocks, the ban has been welcomed by both smokers and non-smokers who are all enjoying the clearer air.

The Mardale Inn is a step ahead of possible Government moves to bring in a licensing system for establishments that wish to allow smoking on the premises.

Under new proposals reported to be circulating among ministers, smoking will be outlawed in pubs, restaurants and offices unless they meet strict conditions.

The system would mean anyone applying for a licence to allow smoking in a confined public space would have to guarantee the protection of children from contact with smoke, as well as minimising the health risk to staff.

The outright ban at the Mardale Inn came into play after a trial period from August 1.

And, within just two weeks, trade was up and regular visitors were commenting positively on the difference, claim the Stocks.

The couple are now in no doubts they have made the right decision.

"We were nervous about the trial, business-wise, before we started it but within a couple of weeks it became obvious it was a huge success." Said Katherine, 33.

"Trade doesn't seem to have been affected by it and we haven't had a single smoker complain. Many smokers have commented that they appreciate the fresh air as well."

The Stocks, who are both non-smokers, and from Wakefield in Yorkshire, moved into the pub in February and produce home cooked meals on the premises as well as offering rooms on a bed and breakfast basis.

They opted to try out a smoking ban for the benefit of both customers and staff.

"The floor space of the pub is quite small so smoke would quickly fill the air and would become noticeable.

"But the customers seem much more relaxed in a smoke-free environment and it's obviously much healthier for us and the staff to work in clearer air." Added Katherine.

"I do think it would be much more difficult for town centre pubs to try to implement but it seems to have worked well for us at the Mardale."