The directive comes from Arena boss Paul Fletcher and means that City supporters can light up at half-time and only in the bowl of the stadium and not in the concourses which many supporters did during the Queens Park Rangers game,starting with Monday's visit by Southampton.
Speaking to the CET,Fletcher said: “At the moment there is no legal smoking ban in public places. “We fully accept that there should not be smoking in enclosed areas such as the concourses and during the game itself. “And non-smokers, understandably, do not find it pleasant to be seated around somebody who is producing smoke during the game when they cannot move.
“However, people are able to leave their seats at half-time so we have decided it will be appropriate to allow smokers to light up during the 15-minute break. “Smoking always induces a heated debate but we are trying to be reasonable to all parties and will monitor the situation closely.
“We would ask all supporters, smokers or not, to bear the consideration of others in mind at all times.”