CLINICS to help smokers kick the habit have been launched in the one place where they are most likely to take a drag - a pub.

The Punch Bowl Inn, Roman Road, has introduced clinics in a bid to wean staff and customers off the weed before the countrywide ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants on July 1.

And ashtrays have been replaced with trays of mints and sweets to give people a treat to take their minds off their cigarette cravings.

Joint licensee and non-smoker Susan Otley, 49, admitted the pub commonly known as Pothouse, was a strange place to hold a stop smoking session but was confident of success.

She said: "I think the pub is one of the best places to have it. On July 1 they've got to come in and not have a cigarette and because they are all so close it's ideal."

Susan got in touch with a specialist smoking cessation adviser after seeing an advertisement about govern-ment-supported clinics.

The first session was attended by 10 customers and staff who will support each other in group sessions with medication and the help of the advisor.

Joint licensee Lorraine Lewis, 42, said she would not have begun her struggle to quit without the clinics. She said: "If I didn't go to the session I wouldn't have given up."

Jan Pettitt, 49, of Dandy Row, used to smoke 20 to 25 cigarettes a day but is planning to cut down slowly and reduced her intake to 10 after the first session.

She said: "The health clinic didn't work with my working hours and Sue said she was considering doing these lessons as other people had said the same thing.

"We have all talked about quitting since we heard about the ban and we needed somebody to kickstart us."

Mark Gorton, 25, of Mayflower Street, decided to take part when his partner, Jodie Shears, 19, who works at the pub, joined the clinics.

He said: "It's nice that you have got a group of people supporting each other.

"To go to a clinic on your own is a bit daunting. When I have a drink I want a fag so it's strange having the sessions in a pub but it's working for me."

Michael Hunt, 57, of Coniston Drive has been smoking for over 40 years. He said he had spent £250 on hypnosis and acupuncture last year in an attempt to quit all to no avail but was feeling positive about the sessions.

"I think I'm going to stick with it this time," he said.

The clinics are held fortnightly on Mondays at 7.30pm. Call 01254 705844.