Smokers hit Redhill pub to quit

By dfarbrother bydavid farbrother david.farbrother@essnmedia.co.uk

Smokers have found a new way to quit cigarettes – by going to the pub.

The Jolly Brickmakers in Frenches Road, Redhill, has become the last-gasp saloon for smokers after becoming the first pub in the county to hold weekly drop-in sessions to help them kick their habit.

The first meeting on Thursday last week, saw pub punters queuing up to hear Steven Quick, of the Surrey Stop Smoking Team, offer free practical advice – although many had a quick cigarette outside to calm their nerves.

Mother-of-two Linda Peckham, 38, of Osborne Road, Redhill, was one of six people who decided to try out the new drop-in centre.

She said: "It will stop my 11-year-old son Nathan telling me off, because he hates me smoking.

"I know it's bad for me and it smells, but I really enjoy it.

"I started when I was 16 and smoke around 20-a-day.

"But I'm getting older, and I'm thinking about my health more now.

"I struggle with my weight, and I'm worried if I quit, I might put it on.

"But sometimes I think I smoke more from habit than addiction.

"My session has been really useful and I will be back next week."

The meetings give smokers the chance to measure the carbon monoxide levels in their blood by blowing into a special device and find out how to get medical advice.

As well as providing encouragement and support, Mr Quick also introduced the group to a plastic cigarette-shaped toy intended to mimic the effect of holding a cigarette.

Merstham residents Andrea Holmes, of Brick Road, and Antonia Baker, of Ash Close, both 21, talked to the Mirror after the session.

Former Reigate School pupil Andrea said: "We thought it was cool to smoke.

"Antonia nicked an entire pack from her mum when we were just 14 and got through the whole lot."

"It's definitely a social thing for me.

"But it's so expensive.

"Quitting is more about saving money for me than the risk to my health."

Asked what she would spend the money she saved from not smoking on, Antonia answered without hesitation "shoes".

She added: "I would encourage anyone thinking of coming along to give it a go.

"Its not all patches and gum."

Landlady Judith Holland was delighted her customers had given such a warm welcome to the idea of the clinic.

She said: "We know there are a lot of smokers out there who would love some help to give up.

"So by offering this service in a friendly, less clinical atmosphere, we hope to make a difference – not only to our regulars but to anyone else who would like to pop along."

The free clinic is open from 7.30pm tonight (Thursday), and for the next four Thursdays thereafter.

If the six-week pilot is successful, it will be rolled out to other pubs.