BUSINESSES in Chard and Ilminster have been applauded for complying with the national smoking ban which began on Sunday.

South Somerset District Council officers have been visiting pubs, shops and offices throughout the district to make sure nobody is smoking indoors.

Stewart Brock, the council's smoke free leader, said on Monday: "We've had people out all day today seeing how things are going for businesses and it's been going very well.

"A colleague of mine has been in Chard, going up and down Fore Street and has found a high level of compliance.

"There have been a few problems with people not having signage but we have been able to give out no-smoking signs and people have put them up."

Mr Brock said taxis and other work-related vehicles could pose most problems.

He said: "People knew premises would be affected but it was quite late in the day that they realised vehicles were going to be affected, too. We will be keeping an eye on that."

Pub landlords in Chard and Ilminster were also in upbeat mood.

Lucinda Ryan-Gericks, of Ilminster's Crown Inn, said: "It's been quite positive. People know it's for a good reason.

"Our drinkers who smoke are taking it quite well. There have been a few tongue-in-cheek remarks but only one or two grumbles.

"Everybody was talking about the ban on Sunday but in two or three weeks it will seem normal."

Jason Baker, of The Choughs, in Chard, said: "It's been fine. We have a covered area out the back for smokers. The weather hasn't been great but nobody has complained at all."