AN ANTI-CIGARETTE butt pouch will be trialled in Weston - thanks to a plea from a pub owner highlighted in the Weston & Somerset Mercury. The Stubbi is a soft compact pouch that fits into a pocket or bag and is designed as a reusable product smokers can c

AN ANTI-CIGARETTE butt pouch will be trialled in Weston - thanks to a plea from a pub owner highlighted in the Weston & Somerset Mercury.The Stubbi is a soft compact pouch that fits into a pocket or bag and is designed as a reusable product smokers can carry with them.The pouch has a fireproof lining, enabling smokers to safely put out their cigarettes and can store up to five cigarette butts. The pouch is also airtight to lock odours inside. The trial of the pouch by North Somerset Council follows a report in the Mercury in which Dawn Coupe, who owns Scally's in Carlton Street with her partner Kevan Place, raised concerns over possible increased litter in the form of cigarette butts after smokers are forced to go outside to light up.Dawn also asked North Somerset Council to consider the use of Stubbi packs, which she had seen after a friend brought one back from a pub in Cardiff.North Somerset Council has now bought 1,000 of the 60p packs which will be distributed in pubs and clubs across the district ahead of the ban on smoking in public places on July 1. The council's tobacco alliance officer, Astra Morton, said: "The Stubbis will help people realise they will no longer be able to light up inside after the ban."Hopefully it will also make them think twice about dropping cigarette butts on the ground."Some of the packs will definitely go to Scally's in response to Dawn's plea. They should be available by the middle of June."The council has been given £17,000 for 2006/7 and will get a further £83,000 in 2007/8 towards implementing changes brought in by the smoking ban.Elsewhere in North Somerset pubs and clubs are gearing up for the smoking ban by creating special areas where smokers can congregate outside.Philip Smith, manager of The Woodborough Inn, Winscombe, is busy making provisions for smokers. The perimeter of the smoking area to the front of the pub will be ringed by wrought iron railings similar to the ones already in place and Mr Smith, aged 44, plans to decorate them with flower boxes.