WORKING in a pub, trainee manager Matt Hughes spent most of his days surrounded by second-hand smoke.

So he was delighted when bosses at the St Peter's Finger in Lytchett Matravers decided to make the entire pub smoke-free last August.

"It makes a better atmosphere in the pub because there aren't people saying they can smell smoke," he said.

"I'm actually a smoker, but it's the second-hand smoke I can't stand. You don't get that smell any more and you're not coughing behind the bar all the time."

There are now just 48 days to go until all workplaces, as well as all other enclosed public places, become smoke-free on July 1.

The Dorset Echo is running a 50-day countdown looking at all aspects of the new legislation and how it will affect you.

Our Make a Fresh Start campaign will also be offering tips on giving up smoking, and highlighting stories of successful quitters.

Businesses all over the county have been busy preparing for the introduction of the new law, which requires specific 'no smoking' signs to be displayed, staff and visitors to be aware that the premises are smoke-free and any indoor smoking rooms to be removed.

Outdoor shelters are permitted for smokers, but must be at least 50 per cent open.

Bosses will also be responsible for ensuring that smoking does not take place in any of the enclosed areas, or in company vehicles used by more than one person.

Local authorities have been working with primary care trusts to ensure businesses are aware of the new legislation and what they need to do to comply.

Principal licensing officer Steve Wright said: "We will be assisting businesses to comply, even after July 1 - we are going to continue the educational theme."

A number of roadshows have already taken place throughout the region, alongside Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.

Leaflets are being sent out to businesses and will be available in libraries throughout the county, but Steve said most companies were now fully aware of the requirements.

He added: "I think that because Wales, Ireland and Scotland have gone smoke-free, people have been seeing that and know that we will be going soon. It's just gaining momentum."

Companies will be obliged to put smoke-free policies in place and to ensure that all their staff understand the new legislation, and that correct signage should be displayed at every entrance to the premises.

The signage which is required can be downloaded free of charge from smokefreeengland. co.uk.

Steve added: "We're working closely across the whole of Dorset so we're going to come up with a unified approach to it."