'The government says it is doing it to save the NHS money but they are going to cost it more as all of these people will get depressed and ill.
'They are encouraging people to stop smoking and the effects will disappear in 10 years. For a lot of the pensioners this makes no difference as they think that they will be dead by then.
'Smokers are being treated badly too. At the bingo hall in Chester if we step over the red line they have painted out front they come and move us.'
Tony Beverly, operations manager at Mecca Bingo, said: 'People who come to us have three habits, smoking, gambling and drinking.
'Before the smoking ban they were able to do all three; now they are having to split them up and they haven't got used to it yet.
'Some of our regulars have been coming less but whether that is linked to the ban or not it is too early to tell.
'We have had new members come to us and people who were put off by the smoke have joined up.
'This is a difficult time for smokers who do feel under attack and some of our regulars have been having problems adjusting.
'We are working with the NHS to help people and are offering a stop smoking support group on a Friday between 5-6pm.
'Any members that come to the classes will get a free early session.' samantha.parker@cheshirenews.co.uk
YOUR Say
Is the smoking ban unfair? Telephone: 01244 606424/5 Fax: 01244 606498 E-mail: news room@cheshire news.co.uk
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