ONLY one in three licensed premises in the Prime Minister's constituency are likely to be affected by new anti-smoking laws.

Far more pubs than the predicted national average are likely to receive exemptions in Sedgefield - where one in three deaths are smoking-related.

A survey of pubs and clubs in Tony Blair's constituency revealed that as many as 64 per cent may be exempt from the ban.

The Government has estimated that only 10 to 20 per cent of venues will be able to avoid enforcing the laws, which could be in force by the end of 2008.

Recent figures reveal that 35 per cent of all deaths in the Sedgefield area were related to smoking.

It also has the highest rate of lung cancer in the North-East.

The ban is designed to protect people in the workplace from second-hand smoke - meaning most enclosed spaces where people are employed will have to enforce the law.

Under the proposed rules, all restaurants, pubs and bars that serve or prepare food will have to be smoke-free.

However, licensed premises, such as workingmen's clubs, private men's clubs and pubs where food is not served, can choose whether to allow smoking in their establishment.

A survey was carried out by a newspaper in 80 pubs, social and private members clubs, bars and hotels in the Sedgefield constituency.

As many as 64 per cent of these premises would be able to claim exemption under the new rules.

Alisa Rutter, acting director of Smoke-free North-East, said: "The definition of what qualifies as preparing and serving food has led to a lot of confusion."