Plans have been revealed to ban smoking from all council-owned public buildings in Chorley.

Chorley Borough Council does not currently permit smoking in most of its public buildings.

The main exception where lighting up is permitted are licensed areas, such as the Lancastrian Room and the bar areas of the Town Hall and All Seasons and Clayton Green leisure centres. These would become smoke free from April 1 if the policy is adopted.

In a report to the executive cabinet, head of customer and democratic services, Martin O'Loughlin, said: "There is a risk to the reputation of the council as a champion of improving health and reducing health inequalities if they do not act to ensure a smoke free environment for its visitors to its public buildings. The proposals will achieve smoke-free situation ahead of any legislative requirements and will clarify the position for any potential hirers of the Lancastrian Room."

The law requires that by the end of 2007, all enclosed public and workplaces, other than licensed premises will be smoke free. This will also apply to licensed premises by the end of 2008. It will be discussed by the executive cabinet at a meeting on Thursday, February 9.