Liverpool could become the first city council to ban smoking in enclosed public areas and workplaces, including pubs and restaurants.

An overwhelming majority – 83 of the city’s 90 councillors – voted in favour of a ban yesterday.

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The council now has until 27 November to petition the government to pass a Local Act of Parliament that will allow the city to become smoke-free.

A spokesman for the council said it hoped the Bill would become law within the next 12 months, although the likelihood of a general election next year could delay its passage.

If passed, the new law would allow environmental health officers to levy penalties of up to £1,000 on firms or individuals that flouted the ban.

Louise Elman, MP for Liverpool Riverside, will champion the bill in the House of Commons while Lord Falconer of Worcester will back it in the House of Lords.

The spokesman expected other councils – notably Manchester – to follow Liverpool’s lead.

According to the council, Liverpool has one of the highest rates of cancer-related deaths in the UK. More than 1,000 people die in the city each year from smoke-related diseases.

by Angela Frewin

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