REGIONAL health bosses have urged the Government to introduce a total ban on smoking in the workplace.
Under current proposals, a ban would not include pubs where pre-prepared food is served and private clubs.
But regional experts have told the Government that a partial ban is not in the interests of people in the North-East, because a high number of North-East pubs would be exempt. In Easington, east Durham, the proportion of licensed premises which would be exempt is 81 per cent.
A call for a complete workplace ban by Dr David Walker, director of public health for County Durham and Tees Valley, was endorsed by members of the Strategic Health Authority board last week.
He said: "If a ban is to be truly effective, there must be no exemptions to the rule."
A total ban is also supported by the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority.
Fresh, a group calling for a smoke-free North-East, is urging people to visit its website, www.freshne.com, and cast their vote.
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