PUB landlords have generally welcomed the news that smoke-filled drinking holes will be a thing of the past after a total ban on smoking was agreed by Parliament.

But publican Francis Danks, of the Black Horse, said outlawing smoking in all pubs, restaurants and clubs eliminated people's right to choice.

"I would prefer to have had a ban on only pubs serving food," he said.

Mr Danks said he was concerned about how the ban would effect his business when it comes into effect next summer, although he did say smokers would still be able to light up in the beer garden.

But he added he was glad the Government had decided on an ''all or nothing ban''.

Mr Danks said: "If smoking had still been allowed in private members' clubs, I would not have been happy.

''There is a private club across the road from me and some of my regulars have said that even though they love my pub, they would have gone over there for a smoke and a drink."

Duty manager Jo McGann, of the Rising Sun, a branch of Wetherspoon's, said many pubs in the chain were already non-smoking and business had not been hit.

"But I think the ban will still effect the regulars who come in for a drink and a cigarette," she said.

But Bob Wall, landlord at The Bell in Studley, fully supported the ban.

"I think it is really good for us. Customers will be able to enjoy their food in a really clean environment," he said.

MP Jacqui Smith said one the reasons she was in favour of a complete ban was because it was easier to police.

She said: "I hope pubs and clubs in Redditch will embrace the opportunities the ban will bring them. It is no coincidence large chains, working on commercial grounds, have been extending bans on smoking in their pubs for some time.

''That's because with a ban, they no longer put off customers who don't like their clothes stinking of smoke when they get home and who are worried about breathing in cancer-causing fumes. ''

''This is a measure that can be good for business and is good for health.''

She added: ''It will mean bar staff and others won't have to breath in second-hand smoke and, like in Ireland, the ban will reduce the numbers of cigarettes smoked too. That can only be good.''