Are you entering a non-smoking pub?

You may soon be able to find out as Maldon district pubs are being urged to display signs stating whether they have non-smoking facilities.

With it being illegal to smoke in public places in some parts of America, landlords fear the move may spread to England. Now they are asking landlords to self-regulate themselves by putting up signs - before a total ban on smoking in pubs is made.

"We are asking members to join up and have designated signage, with signs on the exterior of the pub," said Maldon Licensed Victuallers Association spokesman, Jim Errington.

He added: "It is being recommended in the trade press and so far only 10 per cent of pubs in the country have signs up but it could well mean a total ban on smoking in pubs."

Mr Errington said most publicans want to run their businesses their own way and by putting up signs it will advertise what they are offering - whether its smoking, non-smoking or both facilities in seperate areas.

The LVA is still looking for worthy causes to receive a share of £3,000 members have raised throughout the year. Charities or organisations must be local not national and the money will be presented at the annual dinner dance on July 25.

Anyone interested should contact chairman Stan Ifield at the Ship and Anchor, High Street, Maldon.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.