EU looks at new smoking ban

Smoking could be banned in all pubs, restaurants and cafés under new proposals unveiled by Brussels today.

European Union health commissioner David Byrne today said he was working on planned legislation that could impose a total ban throughout Europe.

The move would mean London - and other towns and cities - following the example set by New York.

It could also set up a clash between the European Commission and Health Secretary John Reid, a former heavy smoker. He has indicated he is not in favour of a blanket ban, although chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson supports it. Mr Byrne today said he was considering the measures under EU health and safety powers to protect bar staff and waiters from smoking customers. The only way to offer total protection would be a blanket ban.

He told EUpolitix.com: "My officials are working to try and see in what way we can bring forward policy that is directed at this problem.

"We are working together on this and I would hope that will lead to the drafting of legislation."

Mr Byrne indicated he was ready to push for the rest of the EU to follow the example of his native Ireland, where a total ban is in force.

He said: "There are clear legal issues here that those of us in public life as law makers, or in my case a law drafter, must address. There might ultimately be legal exposure for employers in circumstances where workers have been exposed to this risk. There is clear evidence now that there is a correlation between passive smoking and health-related responses like disease."

Earlier this year, a backbench Bill put forward by Labour MP Gareth Thomas to ban smoking in clubs and restaurants failed.