'Families to hit the pub after July 1'

One in four families in England will go to pubs more often once the country goes smoke-free, according to Cancer Research UK.

Finding a 'no smoking' venue is second only to the quality of food when parents are looking for a venue to eat out in with their children, says the charity.

The statistics come as Cancer Research UK launches a new advertising campaign - The Great Indoors - designed to remind people of the health benefits the new law will bring.

Posters depicting pub, restaurant and café doors set in typical English countryside scenes and carrying the slogan 'Welcome to the 'Great Indoors' are set to appear around the country ahead of July 1. The posters will be supported by press, online and radio ads.

Jean King, Cancer Research UK's director of tobacco control, said: "Parents' first duty is to protect their children. So it makes perfect sense that they've not been taking their families to cafés, restaurants and pubs as often as they might like.

"But come July 1, they'll be able to enjoy 'the Great Indoors' and won't have to worry about the dangers of secondhand smoke."

Cancer Research UK claims support for going smokefree is at its highest yet with more than 80 per cent of adults backing the new law. Eighty-six per cent of adults believe the legislation will improve people's health in the long-term.

More than 2,000 adults - including 1,000 parents - across England took part in the survey, which was carried out by BMRB between May 31 and June 6.

The survey findings in full: ​

How will the new smokefree law affect how often you take your family to pubs?​

More often 24%​

No difference 71%​

Less often 5%​

Which of the following is important to you if you were taking your children to a restaurant, café or pub?​

Quality of food 71%​

No Smoking 59%​

Quality of service 52%​

Children's menu 44%​

Type of people who frequent the venue 27%​

High chairs 19%​

Other 4%​

How do you think the smokefree law will affect how often you go to pubs?​

More often 19%​

No difference 74%​

Less often 7%​

How strongly, if at all, do you support or oppose the new law?​

Support 81%​

Oppose 17%​

Do you agree that the smokefree law will benefit people's health in the long-term?​

Agree 86%​

Disagree 12%​