Smoking could be banned in all enclosed public places in Brighton and Hove after calls to introduce tough American-style restrictions.

The city's primary care trust (PCT) wants to introduce measures in a bid to curb illnesses caused by passive inhalation.

Across the Atlantic in places such as New York, there are harsh penalties for smoking in pubs, restaurants and precincts.

Earlier this month Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales Sir Liam Donaldson called for the Government to adopt similar measures.

His feelings have now been echoed by Terry Blair-Stevens, healthy city manager at Brighton and Hove PCT, who believes the issue should be treated as a health priority.

Smoking is the major cause of chronic heart disease, cancer and strokes and passive inhalation has been linked to serious problems.

Mr Blair-Stevens said: "There is a national and international debate recognising the significant risks to health through passive smoking.

"What we want is a local debate about how we could be more proactive in preventing harm to people in public spaces in Brighton and Hove.

"Our main target is to stop smoking in all enclosed public spaces such as pubs, clubs and shopping centres but we are not trying to bring in prohibition."

There is already strong support on a political level in Sussex to outlaw smoking in certain places.

When Labour backbencher Gareth Thomas introduced the Smoking (Restaurants) Bill to Parliament earlier this year, which would make it illegal to smoke in any public place where food is served, Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley and Hastings MP Michael Foster voted in favour.

However, Mr Blair-Stevens wants any legislation to be much tougher on smokers, believing the strict fines introduced in New York should be adopted here.

He said: "The health argument clearly demonstrates it is for everyone's benefit we should have smoke-free public places."

"In terms of health benefits and from a public health perspective, a New York style ban is what we would be in favour of."

Mr Blair-Stevens admits calling for a total ban on smokers would only work if it was supported by most people living in the city.

He added: "Because this is a controversial issue, we need to be careful how we have the debate as it involves issues over freedom of choice and economic implications.

"There is no point pushing through an agenda unless we believe it could make a change."

The PCT will discuss the issue with Brighton and Hove's City Health Partnership on Tuesday.

The partnership comprises academics, councillors, health professionals and voluntary groups.

A spokeswoman for the city council said it had no plans to outlaw smoking but would listen to the PCT's views.