'Don't ban smoking outright'

Most Londoners would not support a ban on smoking in public places, a poll on This is London reveals.

Of the 18000 respondents to our online poll, 56% said they would not support an outright ban on smoking in the capital's bars, restaurants and cafes.

The findings are a stark contrast to the results of a survey organised by the London Health Commission - backed by the Greater London Authority.

That poll said 60 per cent of its 30,000 respondents backed a "mainly smoke-free" cafe society, while 64 per cent backed a restaurant smoking ban and 43 per cent wanted smoke-free pubs and bars.