Vincent Mc Kenna, Belfast, publican

PUB owner Vincent McKenna has every reason to raise a glass today - because his new 'extension' measures up to all expectations.



For it will allow his customers to light up over a pint despite next week's smoking ban.



And tobacco addicts relaxing in the impressive courtyard conversion will even be able to watch racing on the telly as they enjoy their fix.



The ban, which is due to come into force across the province in just nine days time, prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, including bars, restaurants, offices and even bus shelters.



But the outdoor extension to the Mermaid Inn at Wilsons Court in Belfast has passed all planning hurdles with flying colours.



"It was with the planners for almost 18 months so they certainly had time to consider it," said Vincent.



The popular pub has benefited from a major interior makeover that also included the removal of the entire front wall and its replacement with sliding glass doors.



A canopy covers chairs and tables in the beer garden while the pub's sliding doors open onto a widescreen TV.



"I'd say that a good 80 to 90pc of my customers are smokers," said Vincent.



"So the ban could have hit me hard and, indeed, there are fears in the trade that quite a few pubs could go belly-up.



"A lot of my regulars are also gee-gee men, so I've put a speaker outside which means they can both see and hear the racing while enjoying a drink.



"Even if it gets a bit nippy, we have a couple of patio heaters that can be quickly utilised."



And there could also be light at the end of the smoke-free tunnel for pubs that have no space to erect awnings, extensions or canopies.



For ventilated 'smoking booths' - the size of a telephone kiosk - have been given the green light in some parts of Scotland and publicans are looking into introducing them in licensed premises here.



The hi-tech booths are transparent to let the smoker continue to enjoy the atmosphere of a pub or club. They have a choice of music to listen to - and a two-way speaker system allows puffers to have a conversation with friends outside or at least experience the hubbub of other customers.



Fumes are sucked up by a ventilations system that carries smoke directly from the cigarette through a series of filters before returning the cleaned air to the room.



As well as one-person cabins, larger booths for communal smoking are also available.