RESTAURANT CLOSES THE DOOR ON CIGARETTES ON NATIONAL NO SMOKING DAY

Customers at a popular Middlesbrough Restaurant will now enjoy a smoke free atmosphere thanks to a partnership iniative with the Health Promotion Service at Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust

Fellini's on Linthorpe Road Middlesbrough is declaring its restaurant as no smoking from March 10 th - National No Smoking Day.

To mark this event, a human sized foam cigarette will be shown the door by Restaurant Manager, Eamon Barody.

Sue Barnard, Health Promotion specialist hopes this idea takes off with other restaurant, cafés and pubs throughout the local area.

She said, “This is a great way to launch National No Smoking Day and hopefully encourage other businesses to follow Fellini's example.

“The dangers of smoking and breathing in others smoke are well publicised and Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust is hoping to join forces with other agencies and organisations to encourage more premises to become smoke free.

“Premises who are prepared to tackle the problems of tobacco smoke will be presented with a No Smoking Standard award which can be displayed so that customers know they can enjoy a smoke free environment.”

Restaurant Manager Eamon Barody said, “we have introduced the cigarette ban because of requests from our customers both smokers and non-smokers.

“Even the smokers don't want to smoke in front of other especially children

“We appreciate that some people may still wish to smoke and they will be asked to use the bar area upstairs, leaving the ground floor restaurant area completely smoke free.”

This no smoking ban on diners has won the support of the Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon.

He said, “ I really do applaud the stance this business is taking. It shows they are taking customer care and well being very seriously.

“Top quality restaurants are vital in attracting visitors and business to the town and initiatives like this can only enhance Middlesbrough's growing reputation. I am sure it won't be long before others in the trade follow this lead”