There was fierce opposition when the first bans on smoking were enforced in public places such as cinemas and theatres.

Militant smokers protested again when bans were extended to public transport including trains and buses.

It is rare for smoking to be allowed in workplaces. Most factories and offices have outside areas or special rooms where people can have a smoke.

Now Sussex MPs Peter Bottomley and Michael Foster are proposing a ban on smoking in restaurants similar to those existing in France and many parts of the USA.

There's little doubt that even if their Bill is not passed this time, another one will be in the future because of deaths from passive smoking and polls showing a majority in favour.

But once any ban is in force it will be interesting to see whether Britain follows the French or American example.

In some American states, people who light up in public places are made to feel like criminals. But in France, bans on smoking in eating places are widely ignored.