AN Irish-style smoking ban would drive a Swindon pub to bankruptcy, according to its landlord.

Michael Pomery, manager of The Glue Pot Inn, Emlyn Square, says on busy nights the pub is jam-packed.

But 80 per cent of his customers are smokers and Mr Pomery fears a ban would drive them away.

Mr Pomery, 30, said: "I'd love to be able to bring in a ban but I just couldn't afford to.

"The Glue Pot is just one room so there is nowhere to section off. I would go bankrupt if I didn't have my smoking customers."

Since Mr Pomery took over in November, the pub has been fitted with two new air filters and an extraction fan to keep fresh air circulating.

He said: "The filters have made a huge difference. You don't notice the smoke too much now. When I first had the windows cleaned they were sticky with nicotine.

"It will be interesting to see how the ban goes in Ireland, as they've got a big pub culture. It seems to have worked in New York."

Robert Taylour, group leader of public protection at Swindon Council, supports the ban in Ireland. He said: "I think it's an excellent idea, but whether it would work here remains to be seen.

"You can't introduce legislation like this overnight as you need to ensure the legal framework is in place, and how to enforce those new laws.

"Mr Pomery has a very good point, which is why we need to work together with businesses across Swindon.

"I'm sure that like the Glue Pot, other businesses would like to have smoke-free areas but the competitive disadvantage means it is a big risk to take.

"But if a ban came in across the board there wouldn't be that problem as it would apply to all pubs."

Last autumn, the Advertiser revealed Swindon Council and the town's Primary Care Trust was bidding for money to investigate the introduction of a smoking ban in public places in Swindon.

Mr Taylour said £24,000 had been secured from the regional Government office for further research into the possibility of banning smoking in Swindon.

Jane Leaman, Swindon Primary Care Trust director of public health, said the ban in Ireland raised many questions.

She said: "I am supportive of creating more smoke-free environments. Smoking bans are much more on the agenda now."

The British Medical Associa-tion has urged the UK to follow Ireland's lead and bring in a ban, but so far ministers have been reluctant to commit over concerns among businesses that it will hit trade.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of ethics and science at the BMA, said: "The Irish Government has shown real leadership in this area and we urge the UK Government to do the same."

At least 1,000 people die every year from second-hand smoke.