Landlords and drinkers in pubs and bars were noticing a nasty whiff a week after the smoking ban - the smell of stale beer and sweat.

Publicans have noticed the pongs now cigarette smoke is no longer masking it and some are taking steps to combat it with perfumes and scented oils.

But others are gloating because they had already prepared for the strong smell of BO.

Oxford's Park End Club in Park End Street, is leading the nose-friendly charge by pumping sweet-smelling gas out of its air conditioning system.

Up to 1,200 punters a night will notice the Hydro Spa scent, which creators labelled "a mixture of sparkling citrus and marine notes, crisp fruits and green herbal accents".

Lee Simpson, deputy manager of the city centre club, said: "In Scotland the smoking ban is already in place and they noticed that the smell of smoke masks the smell of body odour and things like beer stained carpets.

"The first few weeks after the smoking ban they had real problems.

"Before the smoking ban came in there was always a smell of beer and cigarette smoke in the club. We've had Hydro Spa running during the week and it does make it smell a lot nicer.

"It smells a bit like bubblegum to me."

Technicians at Luminar, the club's owners, are now working on new smells for the club - including suntan lotion for Ibiza-theme nights and chocolate and roses for Valentine's Day.

The move followed a survey of clubbers that found their favourite smells were fresh cut grass, fresh coffee, the sea and flowers.

Underground boozer the Purple Turtle, in Frewin Court, was not so well-prepared.

Assistant manager Greg McCalium said: "We noticed the smell for a while - even before the smoking ban came in. Because we are an underground bar it's quite bad.

"Now it's a whole lot worse down to the smoking ban.

"We're going to be getting scented oils and scented candles to tackle the problem."

Jacquie Guard, manager of the James Street Tavern in East Oxford, said she had spoken to other bar owners who were concerned about the problem.

She said: "It's a bit of a joke at the moment.

"I had someone working for me last night and they said if someone comes in and they don't smell so good you can smell them straight away. We are going to give it a couple of nights to see if it's the same as everyone is telling us.

"It's easier to tell if someone has had too much to drink because you can smell it."

But Rick Windell, manager of the Hobgoblin in Cowley Road, remained unimpressed by Park End Club's move.

He said: "I think it's bizarre. It's probably cheaper than buying a new carpet."

Mr Windell said he had prepared for the smoking ban by cleaning the carpets and removing nicotine stains from the walls, ceiling and upholstery.

He said: "We ventilated the pub and it's nice and airy now."

Smoking was banned in public places in England from 6am on Sunday, July 1.