New calls for smoking bans

A casino employee who claimed he developed asthma from passive smoking at work has won a five-figure sum from his employers.

The settlement comes as the Government faces increasing pressure to consider a ban on smoking in pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Michael Dunn, who worked as a gaming inspector at Napoleons for 14 years, agreed to the out-of-court settlement after alleging that customers' smoke caused his illness.

In what is thought to be the first case of its kind in England, the 58-year-old from Upminster accused his bosses of not providing adequate-ventilation to protect his health during his time at Napoleons casino, a popular venue for lowstake gamblers in Chinatown.

The casino will pay him more than £50,000 in compensation, despite not accepting liability for his condition.

The court case was brought by the GMB union and is expected to set a precedent for similar compensation claims in the future.

The GMB, which aimed to show that Mr Dunn had never had any chest problems and had been a regular-marathon runner until he became ill, contended that tight security at Napoleons meant the casino was poorly ventilated.

Although anti-smoking campaigners had hoped the case would go to court, it is thought the owners of Napoleons wanted to avoid a high-profile test case.

Brighton may become the first city in Britain to ban smoking in pubs, restaurants and shopping centres.

The proposal is being debated tomorrow by the city's health partnership. Many bar and restaurant owners in the tourist spot are opposed to the idea.