SMOKING will be banned in all pubs and clubs from July 1 next year - after a campaign of TV adverts to win over the public.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt revealed the long-awaited date for implementing the controversial ban - passed by MPs in February - in a statement last night.

The July start means smokers in England are being given three more months than those in Wales and Northern Ireland, where pubs and clubs will outlaw the habit in April.

But it means smokers forced to go outside to puff away will do so when the weather is likely to be warmest, perhaps weakening opposition.

In a further sign of Government nervousness, the ban will be preceded by a £10m campaign of hard-hitting adverts by a Hollywood cinematographer, to be screened before Christmas.

Designed to alert people to the dangers of inhaling second-hand cigarette smoke, the commercials show smoke winding its way between people sitting in a pub or cafe.

The script highlights the potential cocktail of 4,000 chemicals which enters the bodies of pub and clubgoers at the moment, putting their health at risk.

The campaign centres on research showing that exposure to second-hand smoke can increase a non-smoker's chance of contracting lung cancer by 24 per cent and heart disease by two per cent.

Back in February, MPs inflicted a stunning defeat on Government attempts to exempt pubs that do not serve food and members-only clubs from the smoking ban.

Last night, Ms Hewitt hinted at how dramatically the battle was won when she described the road to the ban as "an incredible journey".

She added: "This is a triumph for public health and a huge step forward for health protection. Thousands of people's lives will be saved and the health of thousands more protected.

"The scientific and medical evidence is clear - second-hand smoke kills, causing a range of serious medical conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, and sudden infant death syndrome."

Under the Health Act, smokers lighting up in pubs and restaurants will be fined £50 for a first offence, with a maximum £200 punishment for cases that are dragged to court.

Owners of licensed premises will face a a maximum fine of £2,500, a sum raised by more than ten times from the original proposal of only £200.

Local authorities will be responsible for enforcing the ban - helped by members of the public who will be encoured to phone a "shop-a-smoker" hotline.

From 6am on July 1, smoking will be outlawed in all enclosed public places and workplaces, including bus shelters, train platforms and concert venues.

However, bars and restaurants will be allowed to put up heated outdoor shelters over courtyards and patios, in a bid to hang on to smoking customers.

And actors will be allowed to smoke on stage after a revolt by theatre groups who warned a ban would ruin famous plays.