BRITAIN: Liverpool could become Britain's first smoke-free city after councillors voted overwhelmingly yesterday for a ban on smoking in public places.
The city's council now plans to petition parliament to pass a law banning smoking in restaurants, pubs, shops, offices and other enclosed public areas and workplaces.
The council says more than 1,000 people a year die from smoking-related diseases in Liverpool.
It says one bar worker dies a year because of smoke inhaled from other people's cigarettes.
"We have a duty to protect those people who work in public places as well as the general public," said a spokesman for the council.
"This is supported by the business community and the trade unions." Under the council's plans, firms or individuals who flout the new law would face fines of up to £1,000.
Health experts have urged Britain to follow Ireland's example and ban smoking in public workplaces, which would include bars, restaurants and pubs.
The vote comes days after a leading anti-smoking group accused the government of sitting on a confidential report which confirms the health dangers of passive smoking. The Department of Health denied any delay.