IT HAS been just over a year since the smoking ban came into force and not a single fine has been issued to smokers or landlords in the borough.

Brent Council, which is responsible for policing the ban on lighting up in public places including pubs, clubs and restaurants, claims the transition to a smoke-free environment had gone smoothly.

Rachel Gardner, council spokeswoman, said: "There have been few problems with enforcement and a very good level of compliance with the regulations.

"There are some residual issues about people smoking at the entrances of buildings and littering but the council's street care department is working with venue owners on this."

Fears the ban would also lead to a drastic drop in business have failed to ring true, according to some of Brent's pub and restaurant bosses.

Ketan Mandalia, director of the Blue Ginger bar and restaurant in Kenton Road, welcomed the ban.

He said: "We have two designated smoking areas so it has not affected our business.

"If anything, we have seen more families come in to eat because the air is much fresher in the restaurant.

"We thought that we would lose some of our regular drinkers who smoke but that has not been the case.

"Our smoking area makes Blue Ginger more appealing than some other establishments where smokers have no choice but to smoke on the pavement."

Bob Carter, manager of Bootsy Brogan's in East Lane, Wembley, said he had noticed a recent downturn in business but attributed it to fears about a possible recession.

He added: "Our regulars don't seem fazed by the ban and it's definitely a cleaner environment for diners.

"Before it started we made sure people were not smoking at the bar to get them used to the ban and we installed heaters and sunshades outside, but I empty the bins and there are never more than 40 butts.

"People have definitely cut back." However, not everyone is pleased with the ban, with smokers claiming they feel like outcasts.

Oliver Scott, 26, of Grasmere Avenue, Preston Road, said: "It was particularly bad going outside to smoke in the winter.

"I think it's an erosion of people's civil liberties, forcing a ban on everyone.

"There are plenty of smokers who would be happy to have their own pub and talking to others there is a view we have been victimised."