CIRENCESTER'S Rock Club has become the first late-night venue in the country to call time on smoking.

And Biagio Vitale, who runs the venue in Bishop's Walk, is hoping other licensees in the town will follow his lead and create no-smoking zones in their premises.

Under the new rules, which were introduced last Thursday, revellers are no longer able to smoke inside the Rock or the neighbouring Sleepwalkers bar.

They are, however, allowed to light up on the adjoining balconies and Mr Vitale says customers have been supportive over the weekend.

He said: "We are the first nightclub in the country to adopt a blanket smoking ban and it's been a roaring success so far.

"The atmosphere in the club has literally been a lot fresher and cleaner. People were going in the club to get away from the smoke on the balconies."

The ban was introduced to make it more pleasant for non-smoking revellers.

But Mr Vitale says members of his own staff had previously been off work with illnesses directly related to smoking.

He says the new move makes for a healthier environment all round and is urging other pubs and bars to look into the idea.

He said: "Because we primed people about what we were going to do they were prepared.

"One or two have even said it's the best way to help them give up smoking.

"All landlords ought to consider it. We recognise there should be at least one area in the bar or club where people can go and have a cigarette but people will get used to it."