Thousands of pubs and restaurants are devising tarpaulin-covered outdoor zones where smokers can gather in the warm and dry after the smoking bans starts later this year.
Business is soaring for companies like Parasolar, which manufactures giant heated umbrellas, and the No Butts Bin Company, which makes outdoor ashtrays.
But established awning manufacturers have warned that "canvas cowboys" are rushing to offer cut-price smoking shelters that are unlikely to last more than one winter.
Outdoor smoking areas have become familiar in Ireland where smoking was banned in all business premises three years ago. But the government is now considering outlawing the structures amid fears that many pubs are flouting the law.
Many licensees and publicans, though, are still unsure how the ban will work and whether customers will be legally allowed to stand outside the front door or in the garden while having a cigarette.
The public is also confused, with 40% still believing that smoking will be allowed in pubs.
The Observer 18/02/07 page 26
The Sunday Times 18/02/07 page 5
The Sunday Telegraph 18/02/07 (Business) page 3
