North poll shows opposition to smoking ban

PUBLIC opinion in the North is weighted against a complete ban on smoking in pubs, according to a poll published yesterday.

The poll found 53% of people believe smoking should continue to be allowed in at least some enclosed indoor areas of pubs, bars and clubs, while 46% are in favour of an outright ban on smoking.

The poll was carried out for smokers’ lobby group Forest (Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco) as the North awaits the outcome of a government-led public consultation exercise aimed at measuring the level of support for smoke ban legislation similar to the South’s.