The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Northern Ireland is encouraging its members to make sure they are prepared for the smoking ban, which comes into effect on April 30th.

FBS health and safety spokesman Harry McGimpsey reminds local businesses that under the new regulations, owners will be held responsible for patrons' behaviour.

For example, a pub or cafe could be subject to a £2,500 fine for failing to prevent people smoking inside, he says.

He adds: "We represent over 6,000 businesses, many of which are pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants, whose owners will feel the full force of the ban.

"While we support the health reasons behind it, which will on the whole benefit small businesses, some of the proposals will have cost implications for our members in terms of the signage required and preparing outside areas for customers who wish to smoke."

A similar ban came into force in Wales on April 2nd, while England will face indoor smoking restrictions on July 2nd.