ELLESMERE Port's JD Wetherspoon isn't one of the 60 pubs in the group earmarked to go smoke-free in May.

But the busy town centre watering hole will be included in the smoking ban imposed on all the chain's 650 pubs by May 2006.

The announcement by the brewery giant, which already offers nonsmoking areas, initially caused the company's share prices to drop.

But group chairman Tim Martin is confident that bringing in a smoking ban two years ahead of Government legislation won't deter customers.

Mr Martin said: 'An increasing percentage of the population is giving up smoking and a significant number of people are staying away from pubs and restaurants because they are too smoky.

'Wetherspoon pioneered nonsmoking areas and feel that it's the right time to go one step further.

'The Government's approach to the issue of a smoking ban does not make sense, since pubs can get around it by giving up food sales.

'We believe that the Wetherspoon approach of a complete ban after a period of notice is the right one.'

The move has been praised by anti-smoking campaigners ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, which highlight the health implications of passive smoking.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation chief executive Mike Unger said: 'JD Wetherspoon is acting as a responsible employer, protecting their workers from the effects of passive smoking while also responding to the wishes of the majority of their customers.

'There is a growing demand for smoke-free places in which to eat, drink and enjoy leisure time. More than seven in 10 people are nonsmokers and we know many avoid a place where smoking is allowed.'