A FAVOURITE haunt for smokers has banned cigarettes - and become the first cafe in Bolton market to do so.

Smoking will be banned in all enclosed public places in England and Wales from July 1 but the Cosy Cafe called time on smokers last month.

Tony Crompton, who bought the cafe in October and changed the name from The Rendezvous, made the decision to outlaw cigarettes following an extensive refurbishment.

It re-opened, as a non-smoking cafe, in February despite the fact that smoking is still allowed within Bolton Market.

Mr Crompton, who owns the cafe with his wife Joanne, said: "We both quit smoking two years ago and they do say ex-smokers are the worst, so it really wasn't a difficult decision to make because we knew we wanted to be smoke-free."

The couple admit that initially business dropped off when they re-opened.

However, since then their business has gone from strength to strength.

They are now urging other businesses in Bolton to follow their lead and introduce a smoking ban now rather than wait for national legislation to come into force on July 1.

Father-of-two Mr Crompton, who also owns a card stall in Bolton Market, said: "It was quieter at first and it still is slower in the mornings because people used to drop in for a cup of tea and a cigarette before work.

"But I would say that between 11am and 3pm we are busier than ever, and as word gets around that people can sit in the market in a smoke-free environment I think we'll just get busier. In all honesty it is the best thing we've done.

"I would urge other businesses to take this step before the ban is introduced in July."

In Bolton 29.6 per cent of people smoke compared to a national average of 27 per cent and in some areas, such as the Hall i'th' Wood estate, this figure can be as high as 65 per cent.

The Bolton News launched its Stub It Out campaign when these figures were revealed, calling for smoking to be banned in all enclosed public places.

In February last year, MPs voted to ban smoking in enclosed public places, including pubs, clubs and private members bars.

The ban will be introduced on July 1 and anyone caught flouting it will face a £50 fine.

Smoking bans have been in force in the Republic of Ireland in 2004 and in Scotland since last year.