I'll be the judge

Just arrived in Crawley, West Sussex.

I am here to judge the nominations for 'Best Smoking Area' in the Morning Advertiser's Great British Pub Awards.

The 'Best Smoking Area' is supported by JTI and the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign, hence my involvement.

Today is what they call the "paper judging". We go through the nominations and select a list of potential winners. This is done, initially, by region.

Our decision is based on the information we have been sent. This includes photographs and comprehensive written answers to questions that were included in the entry form.

It is vital, in my view, that proprietors have smokers in mind when they create a warm, comfortable outdoor area - and it should be clearly designated as a smoking area.

However attractive the space, if it is not designed with smokers in mind then it should not qualify for 'Best Smoking Area'. Last year several entries looked fantastic as outdoor areas but there was no mention of smokers in the entry form.

The winning entry in 2011 had made every effort to make those who wanted to smoke feel part of the pub environment. The smoking area was effectively an extension of the pub and there was even a large flatscreen TV on the wall so those outside could enjoy the same facility as those indoors.

The next stage of the judging process is to visit each pub on the long or short list. Following those inspections the finalists will be announced and the proprietors will be invited to the Great British Pub Awards in London in September when the national winner will be revealed.

Last year I saw what the award meant to the winning publican so we won't be taking our responsibility lightly.