Two thirds against complete pub smoke ban

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that only a third of people (33%) wanted a complete ban on smoking in pubs.

The ONS report found that last year 48% of people wanted pubs to have separate smoking and non-smoking areas.

The survey was carried out on bahalf of the Department of Health.

The fact two thirds of the public did not want a complete ban has been rendered a moot point because of the Government's success in bringing a total ban in public places before these figures were released.

Something which anti smoke-ban campaigners believe was not accidental.

Simon Clark, director of the smokers' lobby group Forest, said: "A majority support restrictions but not a ban. By banning smoking in every pub, club and bar the government is ignoring public opinion."​

Your Comments​Robert Feal-Martinez​ via email 10/07/2006"Can there now be any doubt that Her Majesties Government has consistently lied to the people of Britain over the smoking ban. Lord Warner the Health Minister was asked to provide the content of this report in the Moose's room over a month ago. He refused saying it was not for Government to bully officials. He clearly knew what this survey would say, in essence, exactly the same as last year. Let us hope when we seek a Judicial Review the court will find in our favour. This Government is riddled with corruption from the top down."

Chris Broscomb​ via email 10/07/2006"What many people have found quite amazing is that the government claimed such high levels of support for the legislation.

Their response to the Committee Report published to Parliament in March stated

"Further evidence of quickly shifting public opinion on smoke-free enclosed public

places and workplaces came through the publication of an opinion poll conducted

over the period 2-7 December 2005 by polling firm YouGov" and displayed the results showing 71% in favour of a complete ban.

They appear to prefer the findings they get from a Cancer Research UK and ASH sponsored Internet poll than refer to their own Office of National Statistics.

Their 'quickly shifting public opinion' was a rise of 2%."