Momentum was building for a total ban on smoking this week, despite rumours the Government was considering allowing pubs to continue to offer smoking rooms.

Media reports last weekend suggested the Government could be examining the idea of smoking rooms as an alternative to a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places.

Nonetheless, hospitality associations and health professionals have rallied behind Caterer's campaign to stub out smoking once and for all.

British Hospitality Association chief executive Bob Cotton said: "I think allowing smoking rooms is a dreadful idea. The point of legislation is to protect employees, but those that work in or clean the rooms would still be harmed. The Government is moving inexorably towards a total ban."

Peter Maguire, deputy chairman of the British Medical Association's board of science, said: "Ireland was just the first step in smoking restrictions for Europe. Hopefully common sense will prevail and a full ban will be introduced."

But another health lobbyist told Caterer the Government was still jittery about a complete ban. "My money is still on a full ban but Patricia Hewitt is desperate not to upset anyone and this is why the smoking rooms are being considered again," he said.

John McNamara, chief executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), also doubted the Government's resolve. "Statistics from Ireland post-ban show a clear drop in employment in the pub industry," he said. "There will be a recovery but it could take years and I don't know if the UK Government is willing to stomach that."

A spokesman for the British Beer & Pub Association gave a cautious welcome to the idea of smoking rooms as an alternative to an outright ban, as did the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said she couldn't comment on speculation ahead of publication of the Health Improvement and Protection Bill, expected imminently. "Whatever legislation is finally introduced, we want to make sure it is effective and workable," she said.

Cabinet ministers were expected to take a final vote on smoking either this week or next week.

Scotland will introduce a complete ban on smoking in public places in April 2006.

by Chris Druce

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