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This week the Atlantic Institution probably smelled more like a movie theatre than a prison.

On Monday, a smoking ban was initiated at the maximum security prison in Renous.

Absolutely no cigarettes will be allowed in men's maximum security prisons and special handling units across Canada.

That goes for prisoners, staff and visitors.

As a cessation aid, all inmates received four bags of popcorn the first week of the ban.

"They did this at other facilities too. It's just something to keep them occupied," said Atlantic Institution's assistant warden, Stephane Breau.

Prisoners will continue to be given popcorn for the next eight weeks to help with the cravings and will be gradually weened off the kernels too.

In 2006, a partial tobacco ban was put in place to make the buildings inside smoke free, but now cigarettes are not permitted outside in the yard as well as inside.

In a community where violence can quickly escalate over even minor issues, hundreds of criminals being forced to quit smoking all at the same time has the potential for more than just smouldering crankiness.

André Veniot speaks for Correctional Services Canada.

"We have been preparing for this for sometime," said Veniot.

In anticipation of the May 5 ban, the prisoners have been encouraged and helped to ween themselves off nicotine.

"This is an addiction...Cessation aids and counseling are in place," said Veniot. "They have access to the Nicorette gum and the patch."

New Brunswick's provincial jails have already gone smoke-free and the men's federal prisons are now following suit for a healthier working and living environment. Eventually the ban will extend to all federal prisons.

"It is for health reasons ... It doesn't stop at the guards. This is for staff, offenders and members of the community," said Veniot.

Union of Canadian Correctional Officers regional president Paul Harrigan said he is glad to see the ban come into force.

"It protects the rights of our members to work in a smoke-free environment, just like all other government employees," said Harrigan.

He said smoking has been a concern for the union for some time. In improving the environment, there is bound to be some initial resistance, he said, but added he believes everyone is properly prepared.

"The inmates were told in advance," he said. "Employers are aware there could be a problem. Extra staff has been put on for the next couple of months."

In a press release the union warned its members to be on alert.

"The tobacco ban represents a significant change to life ‘behind the walls.'" it reads. "We can expect that there will be some initial resistance, so we need to do our part. Institutions are reviewing their contingency plans..."

So far, in the initial days of the ban, Harrigan said, he hasn't seen any major incidents.

"Now, I don't know if it's because the tobacco is stashed and they are smoking it from time to time. We'll see," he said, adding the union is also preparing its own members to break the habit themselves. He noted prisoner retaliation could be a serious concern if staff was found breaking the rules, so if they plan to continue, they will have to leave the premises on their breaks before they light up.

"Whether its offenders or staff — there will be institutional charges," said Veniot. "... It will be treated like contraband."

Under their staff health plan, $1,000 is available to each plan participant for cessation aids.

Harrigan said while he knows the tobacco ban may be tough in the beginning, the outcome will be the healthiest decision for staff.