As the smoking ban approaches, more and more people are keen to receive advice on how to stop smoking before the commencement of the ban on April 30.

Many people may be reluctant to approach their GP or other bodies, but still keen to gain information, so one local pharmacy chain is taking the message to the masses, in their own environment.

In a novel approach Pharmacists from Medicare are actively going out into the community to offer advice and guidance to those who want to quit by running advice clinics in local businesses, schools, factories and even pubs.

Local MediCare Strabane Pharmacist, Colin Deehan, plans to kick off the initiative by setting up a 'consultation corner' in Felix's bar to give customer free advice about quitting.

He said "Many people, men in particular, are reluctant to visit their GP for advice on health issues like giving up smoking.

We are keen to make this service much more accessible so we decided it would be better to talk with people in familiar surroundings, which we believe will be much more effective than telling them to visit their GP or pharmacist for advice on giving up.

"There are a number of options available to those who want to give up, some of which are free on the NHS.

"We're here to raise awareness about this among the bars customers, particularly those who are thinking about quitting before the smoking ban comes in."

Colin offers advice on which option is best for each individual. "No two people are the same, some are heavy smokers, some are occasional smokers so it's important that they understand which treatment suits their specific need.

" I'm not here to be judgemental, I'm here to explain the process and help them to effectively quit."

Gerard McGill, owner of the Felix's Bar said, "We were very keen to support MediCare with this initiative. As the smoking ban nears, we thought it was a great idea to assist Medicare in spreading the word on quitting.

:At the end of the day, if some of our customers choose to quit smoking, they will not have to leave the bar as often to go for a smoke so their enjoyment won't be spoiled by the implementation of the smoking ban.

"We have a duty of care to our customers and a healthy customer is a happy customer."

Anyone group or business who would like to participate in this initiative should consult with their local MediCare Pharmacist.

No two people are the same, some are heavy smokers, some are occasional. smokers