Smoking ban: What difference has it made 10 years on?

New laws transformed the atmosphere in pubs and cafes, clearing the air by turfing out smokers on to the streets.

It was met with dismay by some and jubilation by others, but all agreed that it fundamentally changed the way we socialise.

The government outlawed smoking in all in-door workplaces on July 1, 2007 in a bid to help improve public health.

Pro-smoking group Forest claims more than 11,000 pubs in England have closed since then – with the Midlands being the worst affected area.

At the Hog's Head in Wolverhampton, the outdoor smoking area is well established. And for those who use it, it is just another part of their evening out.

But many smokers say they feel sorry for businesses who have been hit financially since the ban.

Richard Perkins, aged 38 from Tettenhall, said: "I think the smoking ban has affected pubs massively and a lot has closed because out it.

"I would like to see pubs given there own choice, but I don't mind going outside for a cigarette. It doesn't bother me at all, you go outside, you respect the law and that's what you do. It hasn't stopped me."

Marc Jones, 36 from Blackheath, said: "The smoking ban has probably affected which pubs I go into. If pubs didn't have smoking areas, people would probably stop going to those."

Chelsea Beecham, 18, from Wolverhampton, added: "Do I agree with the smoking ban? Yes and no. I get smoking in pubs maybe unfair on others, if people have kids or are non-smokers. But in the winter, when it is cold, people don't want to go outside."

A total of 11,383 pubs have closed in England since 2006, according to new data received by Forest, which shows a fall of 20.7 per cent since the smoking ban was introduced.

In the Midlands, there are 2,560 fewer pubs than before the smoking ban, a drop of 23.7 per cent.

Rob Lyons, who authored the report, said: "“The smoking ban has been a kick in the teeth for the traditional British boozer, especially in our urban inner cities. Ten years on from the introduction of this damaging policy the government should order a full review of the impact of the legislation and consider alternatives to the current comprehensive ban.”

But there are many pub-goers who say it has been a positive thing.

Stephen Cooper, 27, Wednesfield, said: "I think the smoking ban is good. People are more sociable. For a guy, you speak to more girls, you interact with more people and make more friends.

"Nobody is going to feel uncomfortable inside the pub. I don't think the smoking ban has caused pubs to close down in the country, not if you have got a decent outside area like a pub garden."

Lee Duncan, 33, from Wolverhampton, added: "You speak to more people when you come outside for a cigarette, especially in the summer time.

"In the winter time, it is pretty much the same anyway. I think it is more healthy for people I think the smoking ban has caused some pubs to close down in the country. I think in the hearts of cities and towns then no, but in the more rural areas I think it has."

Hog's Head deputy manager Sam Dewhirst, 30, from Finchfield, said: "I think it is better with the smoking ban.

"I know although people have to go outside to smoke, it makes a better environment inside."

Asked if the ban has caused pub closures, she added: "I think the ban has maybe caused closures of pubs in rural towns.

"But I think a lot of larger pubs have got heated areas outside, so they try and make it as friendly and comfortable.

"I think it is positive and everyone changes with the times really."