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‘No tar’ at Boundary Park

21/ 7/2004

BOUNDARY Park has become the latest Oldham venue to say "no-tar" to smoking.

In future all Latics and Oldham Rugby League games at the stadium will operate under a no smoking policy, although it is not a blanket ban.

Previously, spectators could smoke in all areas of the ground on matchdays apart from the Sponsors' Suite but all club offices, the boardroom and the directors lounge have been non-smoking for several years.

Starting from this Friday's pre-season friendly against Leeds United, the ban will take effect in all seated areas of the stadium with the exception of the Main Stand lower section and the Lookers paddock. Fans sitting in the Chadderton Road End of the ground are also permitted to smoke in the concourse areas.

Latics officials say they have taken the step in light of the recent movement towards no smoking areas across the country. The Spindles and Town Square Shopping Centre recently adopted a no smoking policy and the club has held discussions with Oldham council about the move.

Sean Jarvis, marketing director, said: "There is an increasing trend towards no smoking in public areas and a number of football clubs are following suit with a total smoking ban."

"We have now decided to review our policy and introduce a new one starting with our pre-season friendlies. However, rather than a total ban we wanted to still allow supporters who smoke the opportunity to do so and consequently have designated areas."

Alan Higgins, Oldham's director of public health, said: "Oldham Athletic are to be praised for their family friendly ground and for responding in a very positive way to the evidence that second hand smoke does damage health."

"They are taking a very positive step to protect and improve the health of the population in Oldham that they serve. They are to be upheld for taking their role as community leaders seriously."

Supporters' group Trust Oldham also backed the move on the understanding that alternative areas are provided where fans can smoke.

Any supporter who is a smoker and has purchased a season ticket for the newly designated no smoking areas can exchange it at the ticket office for a seat in the smoking areas.