A NEWPORT pub is to become the only one in Gwent where smoking is barred when it imposes a ban next month.

Tony Willicombe, who runs the Bell Inn in Caerleon with his wife Ceri, has decided to stamp out smoking from April 8, ahead of the expected official Assembly ban.

"We have canvassed many customers recently and the vast majority see no reason for the continued prevarications at the Assembly. Neither do we."

Although politicians in Wales were the first in the UK to back a ban on smoking in public places, the Assembly does not have the necessary powers and has to wait for the Westminster Health Bill to be passed. Scotland introduced its no-smoking ban this week, England is due to follow suit next year and Northern Ireland in the next 18 months.

In Wales there will still be various stages to go through although the Assembly executive say they expect a similar timesecale to England. Roger Wilson banned smoking in the Louisville, in High Street, Newport, when it opened in December 2005 but abandoned it months later after losing £2,000 a week in trade.

But Mr Willicombe, an ex-smoker, said business at the Bell, which he took over about a year ago, was "absolutely flying". The real ale pub served food seven days a week.

"We have low ceilings and smoking just doesn't fit with what we are doing at all."

Mr Willicombe is, however, making provision for those who want to pop out for a fag. He is creating an outside shelter, described as Y Cwtch Ysmgu, for those desperate for a puff.