A partial smoking ban in Northern Ireland would put poor people's health under even greater threat, it was claimed today.
Campaigners said new research showed any pubs exempt from the restrictions would be concentrated in less-affluent districts. They warned that a partial ban could widen an already worrying health divide.
Ian Willmore of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) said: "As studies have shown, poorer people are more likely to suffer ill health and premature death due to smoking and are more likely to be heavily exposed to second-hand smoke in their work and social life.
"The recent survey for ASH confirms that if the [British] Government continues with these exemptions to smoke-free legislation it will hurt the very people it aims to help."
Mr Willmore's message came as the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland held a smoke-free legislation debate near Belfast. Stormont Minister Shaun Woodward is due to announce his final decision next month.
He has confirmed Northern Ireland will have at least a partial ban, but campaigners want it extended to all enclosed public spaces. Workplaces where smoking would still be allowed would likely include bars that do not serve food, the Agency said.
Chief Executive Dr Brian Gaffney pointed out that an estimated 617 people died in the UK in 2003 from second-hand smoke at work, including 54 long-term employees in the hospitality industry.
He added: "Bar workers not only tend to have lower incomes, they are also exposed to especially high levels of second-hand smoke in their workplace.
"A partial ban which exempts some bars would therefore fail to provide protection for those who are most at risk," he said.