Brighton and Hove is aiming to become the UK's first smoke-free city.

A city-wide Smoke-Free Charter will be launched by a partnership of community and business organisations next week.

It will be the first of its kind in the country and will put pressure on bosses to ban smoking in public places such as pubs, restaurants, theatres and the workplace.

Civic leaders predict smoking in public will be restricted by the Government by 2008 and want Brighton and Hove to have a head start.

The charter will be launched by the 2020 Community Partnership, made up of representatives from the council, police, health bodies, community groups and business, at the Royal Pavilion on Wednesday.

Chairwoman Sue John said: "Our goal is to make Brighton & Hove a better place to live, work and enjoy. This is only the first step towards a smoke-free city."

The charter can be voluntarily adopted by bosses, committing them to promoting smoke-free policies and encouraging their employees to give up smoking.

Brighton and Hove's acting director of public health, Dr Tom Scanlon, said: "In Brighton and Hove we have seen the proportion of adults smoking fall from around 27 per cent to 20 per cent over the past ten years.

"People are more aware of the dangers of smoking but breathing in other people's smoke also carries significant risk.

"We want people to be able to go out for a meal or a drink without the damage, inconvenience or pollution from second-hand smoke."

Big Smoke Debate research carried out for Brighton and Hove City Teaching Primary Care Trust in January found some 78 per cent in favour of a smoking ban in public places. Around 57 per cent of businesses said being smoke-free would improve their venue's environment and 56 per cent said it would be better for staff.

This month all Brighton and Hove City Council public venues and outdoor children's play areas will become smoke-free.

Councillor Sue John added: "This gives the council the mandate to take action for the places it owns and operates."

Nationally it is expected that there will be a ban on smoking in NHS and government buildings by 2006, in enclosed public places by 2007 and with restrictions on smoking in licensed premises introduced by the end of 2008.