SMOKERS' rights group Forest have named the disbanded Leigh Folk Club in its annual roll of honour and dishonour for "seeing the light too late".
London-based Forest spokesman Martin Ball said in a newspaper interview a club spokeswoman had admitted the folk club's no-smoking policy contributed to its demise after 32 years."
He said:"She said the no-smoking policy didn't help and she knew at least six people who stopped attending because of it.
"Organisers thought they were being environmentally responsible, but the ban backfired on them.
"Smokers are customers too and will keep their hands in their pockets if not accommodated for. Those which make provision for the UK's 15 million adult smokers are sure to be handsomely rewarded."
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