New research showing the majority of the public want smoking banned in pubs has been derided as "distorted and desperate" by tobacco manufacturers.
Commenting on the ASH/Cancer Research poll published earlier today (Monday), the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association (TMA) pointed to recent figures from the Office of National Statistics showing only 31 per cent of people want a complete ban.
Tim Lord, TMA Chief Executive, commented: "The difference is that the ASH poll offers no options, only a straight 'yes or no' answer to the question about support for a proposal to make all workplaces smoke-free.
"As the deadline approaches for submissions to government on its smoking ban proposals, ASH and its supporters are clearly piling on the pressure almost, it seems, to the point of desperation."
Mr Lord claimed ASH's own research had actually illustrated that the majority of people aren't bothered about a ban.
"Fifty seven per cent say that it would make no difference to them using pubs and bars if they were smoke-free, and only 28 per cent say they would visit bars more often. Misleadingly, ASH combines these two figures to claim that "85 per cent of people would visit bars and pubs as often - or even more often - if they were smoke-free by law."
"We urge the government to resist the distortions perpetuated by the anti-smoking lobby and to take note of what the public really wants - choice."
Related articles:
Three quarters of public support a total smoking ban (22nd August 2005)