A SURVEY has revealed strong public support for banning smoking in pubs and clubs in Derwentside.

One thousand people were asked about their knowledge and views on smoking and asked who should be protected from secondhand smoke.

Support was strongest for venues frequented by children, with more than 93 per cent of those interviewed supporting smoke-free schools, nurseries and play parks.

Support was also high for smoke-free restaurants, 79 per cent, shopping malls, 75 per cent, community centres, 73 per cent, and offices, 71 per cent.

Just over half those interviewed thought pubs should be smoke-free and just under half thought that clubs should be smoke-free.

The majority supported restricting smoking in workplaces and enclosed public places. Most people also felt that going smoke-free would be good for business.

Just over half thought that secondhand smoke was a problem for workers exposed to it, with 53 per cent thinking it was a serious problem.

Dr Maggie Ireland, chairwoman of Smoke Free Derwentside, said "People living in Derwentside are quite rightly concerned about the affect of secondhand smoke and see it as a serious problem for people who have to breath it at work.

"You do not have to be a smoker to suffer from a smoking-related disease and you can even die from breathing other people's cigarette smoke.

"The survey has shown overwhelming support from the public for all workplaces and public places to go smoke-free.

"Not only will this protect workers and the public from the toxins in secondhand smoke, but it will be good for business.

"Although a small proportion of people have said they would visit smoke-free restaurants and pubs less often, the majority of people said it would make no difference and a significant number say they would visit more often."