Pub's jackets will help keep smokers warm (From Swindon Advertiser)

Pub's jackets will help keep smokers warm

2:14pm Friday 29th June 2007

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VELVET smoking jackets were once the chosen attire of Victorian gents as they savoured cigars.

And now the long-lost fashion item is returning to a pub in Swindon - albeit with a slightly less refined look.

The Swiss Chalet, in Chapel Street, Gorse Hill, has bought a set of waterproof jackets to keep smokers cosy when they are forced to go outside for a drag due to the smoking ban.

The functional padded and fleece-lined jackets will hang by the door for punters to borrow when they nip out.

Swiss Chalet licensee John Honeyman said: "The weather is so changeable that smokers can't always go out and have a smoke.

"It shows we're still considering smokers and not abandoning them. We have received feedback that it's a novel idea and they're pleased we're thinking of them."

As far as he is aware, the Swiss Chalet is the only pub to come up with the idea.

Mr Honeyman, who has been manager for seven years, says 60 per cent of the pub's visitors are smokers, but he has a pragmatic view on the new law.

"I think we will attract more non-smokers as it will be a cleaner environment.

"I'm going to have a go at giving up myself although it will be difficult," he said.

He expects the ban, which comes into effect from 6am tomorrow, to go smoothly.

"The pub is part of the English culture, so I don't think we will lose much business," he said.

"I think there may be a few absent-minded people who light up in the first couple of days."

He has heard plenty of complaints in the pub, however, saying the Government should have given people a choice on making indoor areas smoke-free.

He said: "This has been forced on us.

"There should be smoking and non-smoking pubs.

"There hasn't been a referendum to ask the people what they think."

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