IT'S eleven days and counting to the complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places takes effect in Northern Ireland. Just as bars and hotels have made adjustments for the forthcoming ban, all places of work and entertainment must now also be ready to conform.

The manager of Odds On bookmakers in Omagh, Niall Devlin, said that he had received a good deal of literature about the ban wand was preparing to implement it come April 30.

Though he is himself a smoker, Niall, welcomes the change. "In recent years bookies shops have become better ventilated anyway, but there are still some that where you walk in there's just a cloud of smoke that you can barely see through."

"We'll be putting up the no smoking signs and removing ashtrays in time for the ban." However, Odds-on, like many other businesses will not be providing an outdoor smoking area, "We've nowhere for it. It's just going to be a question of people who want to smoke going outside for a cigarette.The other good thing about it is it will help to keep the place clean."

John Brogan of Brogan's bookmakers, Castlederg, also welcomed the ban, "I hate cigarettes, it should have been brought in years ago as far as I'm concerned. It will mean that people can't smoke in the offices or even in the halls, but I don't think it will really affect business. If people want to place a bet they'll still place a bet."
He added that people who sit playing machines such as the one-armed bandits might be a bit more affected than those who come in to back horses. "If I'd had my way they'd have brought it in two years ago."

Even under-takers are covered by the new law and smoking is banned in undertakers workshops, and in the hearse.

Omagh based undertaker, Seamus Doherty, said that he had fitted no smoking signs in the hearse but said he was unsure as to what way the rule might work in terms of smoking in wake houses.

Seamus, who gave up smoking some 40 years ago, said, "If I was a smoker now I would not be allowed to smoke in the hearse if I had a member of staff sitting in it with me."

Smokers will still be allowed to light up outdoors, in the home or places considered to be 'homes', such as prisons, care homes and hotels, but could still be banned at certain outdoor locations that are 'substantially enclosed', such as football grounds and railway platforms. No decision has yet been made on smoking inside cars carrying passengers.