WORCESTER people are backing the Govern-ment's move towards a partial ban on smoking in public places.

As the Government yesterday unveiled its plans detailing how smoke-free laws would work, all but one of those who spoke to the Worcester News were in favour of the ban.

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint has put her proposals for a ban on smoking in public places out for consultation, giving people a chance to air their views before a Bill is drawn up this autumn.

They exempt pubs and bars which do not prepare fresh food, private members clubs and residential homes such as psychiatric units.

Ms Flint maintained that the "vast majority" of workplaces would be smoke-free - more than 99 per cent by the end of 2008.

But medical leaders and health campaigners have condemned them as 'half measures'.

There was no indication that an outright ban, such as the one in Ireland, would be considered yet, but members of public caught smoking in smoke-free venues could face a £50 fine.

Only a month ago Worcester pub landlords such as Richard Apple-ton of The Dragon Inn, the Tything, were expressing their concern over the proposed ban, claiming it would be an infringement on civil liberties.

But it's not just pub landlords who are not pleased with the proposed ban, as other groups have spoken out against the Govern-ment's plans.

The smoker's lobby group FOREST has called for the plans to be rejected branding the proposed ban as 'excessive, disproportionate and illiberal'.

Tim Lord, chief executive of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Assoc-iation, also opposes the ban, and has described it as "unnecessary and not wanted".

SHOULD THERE BE PARTIAL BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES? WHAT YOU SAY

Tom Gormley of Tolladine, Worcester, said: "It seems fair because not everyone smokes but everybody is affected, so I agree with a ban.

"Smoking rooms are a good idea, I hadn't really thought of that before now."

Dale Sheehan of Warndon Villages, Worcester, said: "I generally agree with a smoking ban.

"I don't think that £50 on the spot fines would work because you've got to think of the administration costs."

Edna Underwood, of Henwick Park estate, in St John's, Worcester, said: "I'm all for a ban.

"All public places should be no smoking. There should be separate areas in pubs and restaurants at least."

Des Gwillan, of Cleobury Mortimer, said: "I'm a non-smoker and I agree with the ban. I think fines would be fair - if you're speeding you get a fine, so why not fine smokers? I doubt smokers would agree but there you go!"

Marie Smith, of Field Rise, Worcester, said: "I agree with a ban. I work in a bar so it'd help. I think that it's a good thing. I think a £50 fine is steep but it's got to be, otherwise people would just take the mickey."

Steve Andrews of Kidderminster said: "I think it's a really bad idea. Everybody likes a pint and a fag, and although it's better for health reasons, it's really down to choice. Smoking rooms are a really good idea."