HEALTH bosses have welcomed the decision of two Winchester pubs to go smoke-free.

The Green Man, in Southgate Street, will completely ban lighting up on the premises from Sunday, May 1, following the example of The Old Vine, Great Minster Street, which introduced a ban on Monday.

"This is great news for Winchester," said Robert Carroll, head of health promotion for Mid Hampshire Primary Care Trust.

"At last, people who go out in the city centre will be able to have a drink or a meal without suffering the harmful effects of second-hand smoke."

Jill Wilson, who runs a campaign to promote smoke-free eating and drinking in mid and south Hampshire, said: "The demand is increasing. People don't want to go out and come back reeking of smoke. It's not just middle-aged people - young people complain, too."

Marcello Pugliese, who has been the licensee of the Old Vine since March 14, said the reaction from customers had been very positive.

"It's been very reassuring. People are saying there's finally a fag-free zone."

Geoff Lugger, who took over the tenancy of The Green Man, with Bethan Manning, a month ago, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming customers who don't want to go home with clothes and hair reeking of smoke.

"Those customers who do smoke are welcome to go into our courtyard for a cigarette."

The Dog and Crook, Brambridge, near Colden Common, is to go smoke-free on Wednesday, June 1.