BURNLEY's main shopping centre, Charter Walk, introduced a smoking ban in its enclosed areas yesterday.

Although the malls in the centre are open to the elements, the atriums, because they are covered by glass, will have to have the no-smoking law enforced.

Other areas also covered by the new legislation include the shoppers' car park, staircases leading to and from the car park, the passenger lift and all rooms including the centre management office and customer services.

It will be unlawful to smoke within Burnley Market and although not enclosed, smoking will also continue to be prohibited in all service areas of Charter Walk Shopping Centre.

This is a fire safety precaution and an insurance requirement.

Chris Gribben, general manager of the shopping centre said: While much of the shopping centre is open, the new law must be applied to those areas which are enclosed.

"Whilst we have tried not to exclude smokers from the shopping centre there are certain areas to which the law applies which are clearly sign-posted, I'm sure that smokers will understand and will assist us to remain compliant by not smoking in the covered areas of the malls."