A ban on smoking in public places is unlikely in Brighton and Hove.

Ken Bodfish, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said he would like to see all public places smoke-free but did not want to impose a ban.

He said: "It is appropriate in this day and age for pubs and restaurants to be smoke-free but it is only reasonable for them to do the banning themselves.

"It is not something local authorities should impose.

"I don't go to restaurants where they allow smoking but it is a matter of freedom of choice for the proprietors."

The idea of a total ban in pubs, clubs and restaurants has been raised by London mayoral candidates Ken Livingstone and Steve Norris.

They want to introduce a ban similar to those in New York and Ireland.

Tory Mr Norris believes it would deliver "extraordinary health benefits." Labour's Mr Livingstone, the current mayor, said the majority of Londoners backed a ban.

Cities including Manchester and Liverpool could follow London's lead but Brighton and Hove is bucking the trend.

More public places in the city are banning smoking or providing smoke-free zones but according to a survey commissioned by a right-to-smoke group, most people agree it should be a matter of individual choice, not a legal requirement.

France has imposed a nationwide smoking ban in restaurants but it has largely been ignored. Bournemouth now has a smoke-free beach but officials cannot legally enforce it.

Environmental campaigners want all Britain's beaches made exclusion zones. The Marine Conservation Society says cigarette butts harm wildlife.

Smoking has been outlawed on Sydney's Manly Beach and in Santa Monica, California. A similar ban is expected along the Los Angeles coastline and in Malibu later this year and is also being considered on Bondi Beach in Australia.

The anti-smoking group Ash wants Brighton to be next but so far the call has not won favour.

The council has a policy of encouraging disposal of cigarette ends rather than an outright ban.