A TAUNTON landlord has said this week how the new smoking ban has made smokers outside his premises a target to drug dealers.

The landlord of a popular location in the town told the Gazette that since the new smoking ban came in on July 1 this year, locals have become easy pickings for drug dealers.

He said some have even been offered Ketamine - an animal tranquilliser - while standing outside.

The landlord - who wished not to be named - said: "Dealers are hanging around this area and the police do not seem to be doing anything about it. They seem to be looking for larger fish.

"Because we would not let them in the drug dealers are now getting a free shop window for customers.

While he said numbers have remained strong despite the smoking ban, he questioned how successful it has been in light of the drug touts.

"In some ways it the smoking ban is having a backward affect.

"You wonder what this CCTV is doing."

Police say they take the selling of all drugs very seriously.

A police spokesman said: "If anyone has any details about people selling drugs then we want to know about it.

"Information is vital for the police and we will act upon that information."

The police can be contacted on 0845-456-7000.