[big al]

It is not Hyndburn council who imposed the ban, rather Lancashire CC who approve the licence for the ground. The club has requested possibility of pass outs or a designated area but they have clearly stated no way. The ground reulations by the turnstiles section 12 is the legalese for the no smoking inside the perimeter of the ground, just as no smoking in a shopping centre even though an open area. Sorry smokers but the law instituted on July 1st is the prime reason for your lack of ability to fill your lungs with the nicotene & 56 other chemical substances that make up your habit, the club is not to blame but all avenues suggested have been stonewalled by the regulating authorities, if it is not imposed the club can be fined £2000 for each breach. I for one would prefer that money goes to ground improvements & new players than goverment funds! Plus that little bit of lung clearance should help your ability to shout louder for the lads on the pitch.