A TAUNTON restaurant has made sure everything is in place ahead of the ban on smoking in public places in England.

The country goes smokefree on July 1 - and smokers have been unable to light up in Uddins, on East Reach, since the start of this month.

Proprietor Raj Uddin said: "I wanted some time to adjust to the new regulations and a chance for both staff and customers to get used to it.

"Uddins is now completely smokefree and there have been no problems at all."

Businesses will have to put up signs to ensure customers are aware of the new regulations - and people will have to smoke outside.

Residents and businesses are able to get advice on the smokefree laws from Darren Carmichael, at Taunton Deane Council on 01823-356340 - or click on the link below.

Cllr Melvyn Mullins, the council's executive member for environmental services, said: "We have held a series of seminars across the borough, but if anyone is not clear, please do get in contact with the council - we are here to help."

*With the deadline looming for a smokefree England, many smokers are looking to quit.

For more on the new smokefree laws and to find out how you can give up, see Thursday's Somerset County Gazette.