DO not compromise -- let's have a ban in all pubs, restaurants and workplaces.

That was the clear message from Dr Peter Elton, Bury's director of public health, to local councillors this week.

And he applauded them when they agreed to adopt a "working towards a smokefree Bury" policy, in anticipation of expected Government moves to outlaw smoking in public places.

Dr Elton urged councillors at Wednesday's (Oct 13) executive not to be half-hearted.

"People have been sounding out compromises, such as partial bans in pubs and bars," he said. "It's really important that no such compromise is made. Firstly, restaurant owners would complain that pubs which sell food had an exemption: and secondly, the workers most at risk are in pubs and clubs."

Dr Elton said that the World Health Organisation and many other bodies were "quite categorical" about the health risks of passive smoking. "Even if that was not the case, having Grade A carcinogens blowing around the workplace would bring the health and safety in. It's more dangerous than asbestos."

He praised Bury councillors for their stand, and urged other councils to follow suit and help put the pressure on.

Last month, Dr Elton joined a delegation of NHS and Greater Manchester council leaders to Ireland to see how a similar ban has worked there. Irish ministers say it has been a great success, with full compliance and a big drop in the number of smokers.

Bury Council, which has already banned smoking in council buildings, will work with the NHS and other bodies to encourage similar bans in workplaces and leisure establishments. The Government is expected to publish a White Paper next month, which could suggest either a national ban or allow local councils to enforce their own.

Tory member Roy Walker abstained in Wednesday's vote.