As winter approaches, some Quebec bar owners have found a way to help their patrons light up cigarettes without exposing them to the elements, and perhaps without violating Quebec's tough anti-smoking laws that came into effect May 31.

It's called a smoking hut, a rigid plastic shelter with three sides and a roof, produced by a Quebec company, Rotek.

Le Charleroi bar owner Suzanne-Tétrault Lanelier bought one recently for about $1,300. She said it's popular with her customers.

"They feel that I'm doing something to make life easier for them, and they definitely appreciate that," she said.

"It's worth it [the cost]. It gives us the edge over the competitor who does nothing."

Quebec's Bill 112 prohibits smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, bars, private clubs, bingo halls, casinos, school grounds, shelters and other facilities open to the public.

So far, no one has figured out if the new smoking huts are covered by the law. But a lot of bar owners aren't waiting to find out. Rotek has sold about 50, and is considering adding lights and heaters to them.

A Rotek spokeswoman, Marie-Andree Plourde, said the company saw a business opportunity in the smoking ban.

"We thought, with the new law, we would try to offer an alternative for smokers, because right now all they have is the blue sky and the wind and the rain."