The time has finally come this weekend (July 1), to say goodbye to the cigarette, marking a new era in gig-going.
From July 1, all enclosed spaces and workplaces in the whole of Britain will be smoke-free, including pubs, bars, restaurants, gig venues and cafes, as the 80 per-cent of the population who live England, join Scotland and Wales who already operate bans.
Smoking in a public place will be a criminal offence and anyone caught will be liable for a fixed penalty.
Gig venues and premises will also be punished if they fail to uphold the new law, facing a fine of up to £2,500 if they aren’t able to stop people smoking under their roof.
According to David Laing, general manager of the Carling Academy Glasgow, the smoking ban has barely affected the live music scene in Scotland.
"In Scotland, we have found the majority of customers welcome and support the band" he explained.
Commentating on the actuality of the law itself, Louise Kovacs of the Academy Music Group who have venues across the country insisted "persistent offending of this law will lead to ejection."
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