Two-thirds of people in England back a total smoking ban in all pubs and bars, according to a new poll.
The survey, carried out YouGov for Cancer Research UK and anti-smoking lobby group ASH, found that 66 per cent of English respondents specifically backed a smoking ban in bars and pubs, an increase on a figure of 51 per cent in a similar poll in April 2004.
Across the UK as a whole, 72 per cent said they would support legislation to make all workplaces smokefree, including pubs and restaurants.
Anti-smoking campaigners hope the findings will put more pressure on the government to drop its proposed compromise solution, which would allow pubs in England to chose between servng food or continuing to allow customers to smoke.
Prime Minister Tony Blair is reported to be considering dropping the manifesto commitment to the compromise, in favour of a total ban. A complete smoking ban comes into force in Scotland this year, with Northern Ireland and Wales set to follow.
Cancer Research UK chief executive, Professor Alex Markham, said: "Ministers have said again and again that public opinion in England does not support a comprehensive smokefree law. This large and robust poll shows once again that this is just plain wrong.
"Ask the question any way you like - at least two thirds of the public across the UK would support a ban including pubs and bars. And the level of support in England is much the same as in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
"The widely derided exemptions for pubs and clubs must now be dropped from the Health Bill. The experience of other countries shows that smokefree legislation must be comprehensive if it is to be successful."