There should be an outright ban on smoking in public places because hospitality workers have the right to work in a smoke-free environment, according to Cancer Research UK.

The charity has joined forces with a number of health bodies to form Smokefree Action, a coalition that is urging the Government to introduce comprehensive smoke-free legislation in all workplaces and enclosed public places.

Coalition members say exposure to second-hand smoke at work causes more than 600 deaths each year in the UK.

SmokeFree Action wants the proposed smoking legislation for England to include private clubs and pubs that do not serve prepared food as in Scotland. At present they are exempt from a ban.

Caterer launched its campaign to Stub out Smoking in September last year, with the aim of safeguarding the health of the industry's 1.6 million workers.

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