More than a third of pubs in Brighton and Hove could continue to allow smoking when Government restrictions come into force.

A snapshot survey done by the British Medical Association (BMA) shows 113 out of 324 pubs in the city do not serve food.

Non-food pubs will be exempt from a smoking ban under proposed Government legislation, which is expected to come into force by 2008.

However, the figure is not comprehensive as some pubs which do not serve food may still ban smoking, while other pubs which have food may stop so they can let smokers in.

The BMA's survey of 29 councils has found a higher number of non-food pubs in the North of England than the South.

The Government has said between ten and 30 per cent of pubs do not serve food but in Brighton and Hove the figure is approximately 35 per cent, placing it 11th on the list.

Increasing numbers of restaurants and pubs in Brighton and Hove have already banned smoking, while other venues are ready to change.

The city council is banning smoking at all its venues used for work, entertainment or hospitality from June.

The Dome entertainment complex brought in a smoking ban in all public areas of the Concert Hall, Corn Exchange and Pavilion last weekend.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Primary Care Trust said: "We have always argued that all public places, including pubs, clubs and restaurants, should be smoke free.

"This has been medical opinion for years and it is also the majority opinion in Brighton and Hove.

"This research demonstrates we still need to work with the leisure and entertainment industry so they understand the benefits to staff and customers of going smoke-free, just as many major venues have done."

The BMA's head of science and ethics, Vivienne Nathanson, said: "The Government has just started its third term of office so it is time it showed leadership and banned smoking in all enclosed public places."

Friday May 13, 2005