A YEAR into the smoking ban ... the air is certainly clearer in Falkirk's pubs and clubs, but the effects on business are still hazy!
Introduced at 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 26, last year, the ban was welcomed as a progressive step forward by many but a restriction on personal rights by others.
The law comes into force in England on July 1, like here banning smoking in premises which are totally or substantially enclosed and to which members of the public have access.
Before the ban came into force in Scotland last year, Falkirk Council Licensing Board held special seminars and offered training on the new legislation to all licensees in the area.
Board chairman Councillor Malcolm Nicol said: "On the whole it's been well received, although there were a few licensed premises which suffered as a result of the ban. However, the health of pub customers and staff has improved greatly and their protection was the main guiding force of the legislation.
"It's just sad that some of the premises were not able to adapt to the new law and fell by the wayside."
One of those to "fall by the wayside" was Carlton Bingo, Bo'ness Road, Grangemouth. The hall was forced to close, with Carlton blaming the smoking ban for the loss of revenue which led to the closure.
Other clubs in Grangemouth have been affected with the Docker's Club, in Dundas Street, due to hold an emergency meeting regarding its future and Grangemouth Railway Club, in Barrie Place, also going through a bad patch.
Railway Club secretary John Matheson said: "We have sent a memorandum to members saying if things continue the way they have been we will only have three years left at the most. You could blame the smoking ban I suppose or just a change in people's habits."
Councillor Bob Spears, convener of Falkirk Council's environment and heritage committee, believes the times are changing and this could signal the end for a lot of clubs and pubs.
He said: "A lot of the clubs are suffering because the workforces which once filled them are no longer substantial. The smoking ban is also having an effect – clubs are now trying to get an exemption from the ban and negotiations are going on."
There are almost as many reactions to the affects of the ban as there are licensed premises in the area
Robert Lowe, who has been licensee of Falkirk's Tolbooth Tavern for 18 years, said: "It's not really affected the pub as such. People obey the law and go outside without any problem.
"Because we are a food-based operation, I didn't expect the ban to have a big effect on us, although the number of people who would pop in for a pint after work has dropped off. The air is a lot cleaner and staff say they like that."
An awning was erected outside the Tolbooth to keep smokers dry. But nearby, at Wetherspoon's Carron Works, a beer garden was built with tents and heaters.
Manager Anne Fallon said: "The pub hasn't lost business and people have been following the regulations as far as I know – there is certainly no evidence of people smoking in the pub since the ban was put in place.
"I'm a smoker myself, so obviously I've had to cut down because every time I light up I have to go outside. This smoking ban is happening all over the world now and it's just a case of having to adapt to it."

j.trimble@falkirkherald.co.uk