The Nottingham Evening Post has launched an ambitious campaign calling for a ban on smoking at all workplaces in Nottingham.

The paper wants to protect people from passive smoking in offices, factories, bars, clubs and restaurants. Its figures show more than 500 people die each year in the city because of smoking.

It says that doctors, health workers, politicians and most of the public agree action must be taken to curb smoking in such places - and believes the people of Nottingham cannot ignore the risks any longer.

The paper's leader column told readers yesterday: "With no sign yet of a Government lead, campaigners in Liverpool are pressing the city to become the first in England to ban smoking, either by applying existing laws or by asking Parliament for a specific local by-law.

"Nottingham must do the same - not just for its own sake, but also to help get a national bandwagon rolling.

"No doubt die-hard smokers will dig in their heels and complain about a loss of their rights.

"But nobody is denying them the right to smoke. The argument is not about whether they can light up, but where."

The Post's first target is for Nottingham City Council to follow the example set by Liverpool, to take the initiative and apply to Parliament for a new law to enable it to impose a local ban.

Smoking bans, with varying restrictions, have been spreading across America. And this year Ireland banned smoking in bars, restaurants and most other enclosed public places.

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