'Ban smoking in public'

Almost half of Londoners would support a ban on smoking in public places, a This is London poll reveals today.

More than 1,000 readers voted, with 47% saying they would support a ban on smoking in their work, pubs and in restaurants.

The findings come on what is National No Smoking day and follows a claim by campaigners that a ban on smoking in public places would save 4,800 lives every year.

The poll also showed that 23% of people would support a ban only in the workplace, 3% back a ban solely in pubs and 10% just in restaurants. Only 18% of respondents say there should be no restrictions in any of the public places.

However, a students' union today announced it was lifting a ban on smoking in bars after takings fell more than £26,000 in 13 days.

Leeds University Union launched the one-month trial ban on daytime smoking in its buildings last month.

But halfway through the trial, officials made the decision to abandon the scheme, after realising the amount spent on drinks by the 30,000 students had dropped by one third.