A Cambridgeshire licensee has turned both his pubs into no-smoking venues, in preparation for the smoking ban due to come into force across England and Wales next year.

Roger Scotton and his partner Justine Mackenzie run the Poacher in Elsworth and the Willow Tree in Bourn, both of which are owned by pub company Punch Taverns.

He first made the change at the Willow Tree following a £250,000 refurbishment earlier this year, deciding to make it a completely smoke-free venue when it re-opened.

Then just a few weeks ago the Poacher, which is a 1650s thatched property, also became a no-smoking pub.

Roger said: “The smoking ban will come into force next year and I decided to make the change now to stay one step ahead of the law.

“Smoking has gradually been phased out in pubs, especially with the growth in food sales and the increasingly popular café culture. For example, the Poacher is a food led venue and we already had no smoking in some areas until after 10pm.”

Both pubs benefit from having outside drinking areas, with decking at the Willow Tree and a beer garden at the Poacher.

Roger is also growing his portfolio with a third Punch Taverns premises, overseeing a £500,000 investment at the Osborne Arms in Cambridge, which is due for completion next Spring.

Planning permission is currently being sought for a project to create a seven bedroom boutique hotel with 70-seater restaurant.

The Poacher was Roger’s first pub venture after a career as an executive chef in the hotels industry. He took that over more than three years ago and then agreed a lease at the Willow Tree last year.

Tony Elden business relationship manager for Punch Taverns, said: “We are talking to all our retailers about how to deal with the smoking ban and preparing as early as possible for when it comes into force.

“Roger’s decision to go no smoking at this stage shows that he is thinking ahead and is now prepared well in advance of the ban.

“The pubs which are first to make steps will be the ones who gain the commercial advantage over their competitors.”