Organisers of this year's Bradford Beer Festival have stubbed out smoking to stay in line with the Govern-ment's total ban.

Around 3,000 real ale fans were expected to have passed through the doors at Saltaire's Victoria Hall between Thursday and Saturday to sup more than 12,000 pints between them. But not one of them was allowed to light up.

Instead a sign was posted on the main door declaring the hall a no-smoking zone and anyone wanting to indulge in a cigarette had to smoke outside.

One of the organisers, Mick Farrar, of Bradford CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), said no one had complained.

"We have never encouraged smoking in the bar areas but in the past we've always had a room where they could go and have a smoke," he said. "We thought we would go the whole hog this year and ban it altogether as we'll have to stick to the ban next year."

Fellow organiser Richard Holden said: "No one has complained yet. If they want to smoke they will have to brave it outside."

Among yesterday's lunch-time drinkers were workers from Saltaire businesses and offices and some real-ale devotees who had travelled from further afield.

Kate Seal, 54, and her twin sister Pat Longfield, who have tasted more than 1,500 real ales in the past six years, came from Barnsley to be there.

"We go all round the country to different festivals but the one in Saltaire has to be one of the best," she said.

This month MPs voted overwhelmingly for a total ban on smoking in all pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The ban, which will come into effect next summer, has been lobbied for by the Telegraph & Argus which launched its Clear the Air campaign in November 2004.

The beer festival, with more than 120 different real ales straight from the barrel, was CAMRA's eighth festival in Saltaire. Brewers from as far north as Hadrian's Wall and down to Lincolnshire were invited to send tipples.

The Friday-night session sold out just days after tickets went on sale and the Saturday-afternoon and evening events were quick to follow. But there was no risk of any of the barrels running dry because supplies are rationed throughout.

Mr Farrar said: "I think we're the only festival that rations. It causes a bit of controversy but we like to be fair to those who can't get here until the Saturday."

Festival-goers today could also look forward to turns from the Otley-based Wayz-goose Morris dancers, Hall Royd brass band and rock band Last Orders.