STUBBING out the customers bad habits is the landlord of a Baldock pub. John Howard has welcomed in the New Year by turning the Cock into a smoke-free pub. He took the decision after talking with regulars. The Cock, which prides itself on its six differe

STUBBING out the customers' bad habits is the landlord of a Baldock pub.

John Howard has welcomed in the New Year by turning the Cock into a smoke-free pub.

He took the decision after talking with regulars.

The Cock, which prides itself on its six different quality real ales, aims to improve the internal atmosphere so more customers can enjoy the Greene King pub.

Speaking about his decision, John said: "I think more and more people including smokers understand that in a small low ceiling area smoke can linger much longer spoiling the atmosphere for everyone.

"By being smoke free we're still providing an external smoking area for smokers who want to enjoy our beer but not spoil the internal atmosphere.

"There'll be a lot more people who'll visit the pub without smoke and we're looking forward to continuing to welcome back our customers as well as lots of new ones."

For drinkers who cannot give up the habit, there is a heated external area so they are not completely left out in the cold.