Worthing café declares smoke-free zone

The Guildbourne Grill, in the Guildbourne Centre, has decided to completely ban smoking on its premises.

The outside seating area in the precinct is already a no-smoking zone.

The move, put in place at the start of April, comes months before an official ban on July 1, when it will be illegal to smoke in enclosed public premises such as pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The grill was once quoted as the favourite breakfast haunt of Preston, reality TV star lead singer with the Ordinary Boys.

Stephen Pratt, 39, Guildbourne Grill manager, said: "We weren't sure what the response would be but it's been brilliant.

"We've gained some new customers and even some of the smokers have said how much nicer it is.

"There has been something of a silent protest from some of the regulars but most now just go outside to smoke."

Customer Jason King, 69, of Mendip Road, Durrington, said: "I think it's a liberty.

"I've been coming here for 32 years and now I've got to go outside to smoke.

"I've been smoking since I was 13 and I think you should be able to smoke if you want to smoke.

"I'll keep coming in here, though.

"It's a nice, peaceful place to have a coffee and the staff treat you like human beings."

For more on this story, see the Worthing Herald.

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