Bid to ban lighting up in London

A bid to ban smoking in enclosed public places in London has moved a step closer.

Leaders of the capital's 33 councils have voted unanimously to apply to parliament for new city-wide laws introducing the restriction in pubs, clubs and restaurants.

They say evidence is mounting about the dangers of passive, or second-hand-smoke, and they are prepared to make the move on health grounds. It is estimated that one million non-smokers are exposed to tobacco fumes in their workplace in London.

The move comes from the Association of London Government, the umbrella group for the boroughs.

Previously the anti-smoking provisions were to be included in a draft Bill but the ALG has decided to champion the issue as a separate piece of legislation because of its controversial nature, and to prevent it getting bogged down in red tape.

Sir Robin Wales, chairman of the ALG, said: "We can't ignore the growing evidence of the effect smoking has not only on the people who smoke but also on others through passive smoking."