Southend cafe owners have vowed to resist Government moves to introduce a smoking ban in public places.
Public health minister Melanie Johnson revealed that a wide-ranging consultation exercise on public health issues found significant support for a ban on smoking in public places.
National pub chains including Scottish and Newcastle and Enterprise Inns have also said they are considering a ban on smoking in their outlets.
However, Elizabeth Shannon, partner of the Cafe Large, in Ness Road, Shoebury, said: "Most people who come in here do smoke. They are mostly workmen who like to have a smoke. If they couldn't smoke I don't think they would come in."
Victoria Nundy, who owns Muffets of Leigh, in Rectory Grove, Leigh, said: "We don't have smoking in here because it is so small. But if I am having lunch and a glass of wine I do like to have a cigarette. I would not go somewhere where you could only smoke outside if it was not a nice day."
Published Friday September 10, 2004
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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