A complete ban on smoking in all workplaces remains within reach following reports that horse-trading in the Labour Party will force a free vote to avert a backbenchers' revolt.
The move for a free vote in Parliament has gained increasing support, with 101 MPs backing the motion ahead of the third reading of the Health Bill expected early next month. If successful, this could see England follow Ireland and Scotland and introduce a total ban on smoking in the workplace.
Kevin Barron, Labour MP for Rother Valley in South Yorkshire and chairman of the Health Select Committee on Smoking, confirmed backroom bargaining was taking place. "The official line is the same as before Christmas, that there will be a whip-enforced vote in line with the party's manifesto [which promises a partial ban]. If so, I'm certain an amendment calling for a total ban will be introduced to the House."
The latest developments are a boost to Caterer's Stub out Smoking campaign to safeguard the health of hospitality workers.
Ian Willmore, public affairs manager at Action on Smoking and Health, said: "Labour is finding it very hard to square worker protection with a partial ban, so a free vote is the most obvious way to get off the hook."
Last month an influential committee of MPs slammed the Government's partial-ban proposals, and an online survey by Caterer found 78% of hospitality professionals wanted a total rather than partial ban.
* The British Hospitality Association has warned Scottish hoteliers planning to designate bedrooms for smoking after the country's full ban starts on 26 March to ensure they don't ventilate into non-smoking areas.
By Chris Druce