Merseyside’s first non-smoking pub has registered “record breaking-profits.” The Ring O’Bells in West Kirby barred smoking in June 2003.

Since then alcohol sales have risen 60 percent and food takings have doubled. The pub’s kitchen had to be refitted to cater for the demand.

Landlord Alan Jones said: “We lost some custom, which was a concern. But our profits have proved us right.”