March 1st Smoking Ban for Five Bells
A special report from Chief Editor, Jonathan David Abraham
Regular readers of this periodical will recall that just over a year ago, Bridgend and the United Kingdom's most radical and forward thinking pub landlord, Marten Bland, announced his intention to make the Five Bells the first Public House in Bridgend to open twenty-four hours a day.
Ruined
Regrettably, Marten's ambitions were ruined when the Top of Town Residents Association (TOTRA) submitted their eleventh-hour objection to Bridgend County Borough Council last February and his plan has effectively been on hold ever since.
Premature
Unperturbed, Marten has been buoyed by the news that the Westminster Parliament and Welsh Assembly have introduced bills to abolish smoking in all Public Houses in England and Wales by the Summer of 2007. Characteristically premature, Marten's impatience has forced him to act ahead of the authorities and he has announced that the Five Bells will become a smoke free Public House on March 1st, 2006.
Redundant
Ever mindful of his customers needs, Marten has not abandoned his smoking regulars. In contrast, he has purchased a redundant 1950's Route Master Bus from London Transport to act as a smoking room.
The redundant London Bus Marten has procured from London Transport as a Smoking Room for the nicotine addicts
amongst his clientele
The magnificent vehicle will be permanently parked alongside the Five Bells and will provide a sanctuary from the elements for his puffing patrons. The entrance to the bus will stand a mere three feet away from the door to the Lounge Bar.
