THE new smoke-free legislation has come in, but a Huddersfield wine shop owner is hoping for a bright future as a specialist cigar outlet.
Taste Fine Wines, of Almondbury, was approached by Hunters and Frankau, the UK's exclusive Havana cigar distributor, to offer the specialist service, which is the only one for miles around.
Tim Marriott, who runs the shop with his father, David, said: "The predictions are that following the introduction of Sunday’s no-smoking laws more people will smoke at home.
“People who used to enjoy a cigar after a meal in a restaurant may no longer be able to do so. The speculation is that more people will entertain at home instead of going out to eat.
"Cigar distributors are keen to make sure people have a good choice of fine and specialist cigars to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes.''
The cigars now on sale at Taste Fine have to kept in a specially built humidor to make sure they are kept at the correct humidity.
Tim said: "Many people don't realise that if cigars are kept at too low a humidity they will crack. And if the humidity is too high they can explode.''
The new legislation has led to some local restaurants, pubs and clubs creating special outdoor smoking areas where people can still enjoy a cigarette or a cigar.
Figures from 2005 reveal that almost half of all visitors to pubs, bars and restaurants smoke at some time during their stay.
Tim said: "It's a great honour to be appointed as a specialist outlet. We hope local people – and others from across the area – will enjoy our cigars.''
