Side effects worry clubs

NIGHTCLUBS are gearing up to put their smoke-free plans into practice. But there are concerns that the new legislation might lead to new problems.

'I support the ban, but I'm concerned about its possible knock-on effects.

'There could be an increase in the number of people leaving their drinks unattended, which could potentially be spiked,' said Patrick Anslow, general manager of Barbados.

'I'm also worried that people not wanting to leave their drinks might just down them before going outside. It doesn't really help problems with binge drinking.'

He also had concerns over the number of people from his club and next-door pubs spilling out into the road.

People will be able to leave Barbados to smoke outside, where buckets will be provided for cigarette ends. They will not have to queue to get back in, unless the club has reached capacity.

Tony Le Marchant, manager of Les Folies d'Amour, expected the ban to come into play with little fuss.

At his club, smokers will have their hand stamped as they leave for a cigarette.

They will then have to join the queue for readmission, which will be free.

'I'm just not looking forward to people switching to chewing gum and leaving it on our carpets.

'I'm considering an alternative to ashtrays for people to put their gum in,' he said.

Club 54 will be issuing smoking passes and will provide outdoor ashtrays.

Portable barriers will also be erected to prevent people standing in the road.

'Customers won't have to queue to get back in - it just wouldn't be fair,' said proprietor Martin Rogan.

'Obviously we've been lumbered with this with not much choice in the matter, but we'll just have to wait and see.'