A survey backed by City of York and Selby District councils, published today for national No Smoking Day, shows that residents across the area would like to see more restaurants, pubs and cafes providing smoke free areas.

A total of 5754 people completed the questionnaires in libraries, GP surgeries and leisure centres across York and Selby with smokers themselves among the biggest backers of more smoke free places.

Almost a quarter (1300) of the responses came from smokers and of these 90 percent said they would like restaurants and cafes to provide smoke free areas - with the figure rising to 93 percent among non-smokers. Three quarters of smokers wanted non-smoking areas in pubs with the figure rising to 89 percent among non-smokers.

Over half of non-smokers (60 percent) wanted a total ban on smoking in restaurants but less than half wanted to see a total ban in pubs.

There was strong support for venues to comply with the Public Places Charter by displaying their policy on smoking - that is whether they provide for smoking separate or no smoking areas or allow smoking throughout. In all, 91 percent of smokers and 94 percent of non-smokers said they would like to see signage but currently only 27 percent of establishments are complying with this voluntary code - with a fifth of these opting for the 'smoking all areas' option.

Carole Donnachie, City of York Council's smoke free places officer who organised the survey for the two councils, said, "The survey clearly suggests there is widespread support for giving people a choice between smoking and smoke-free environments in different social settings. The number of smokers who support having smoke free areas reflects the results of our pilot survey and is very encouraging.

"I shall be sending the complete survey results to all restaurant, cafŽ and bar owners and producing a directory of venues offering smoke free areas later in the year. I hope these results will encourage owners to think about providing smoke free accommodation."

The survey also gave respondents a chance to make additional comments - the most common being opposing 'civil liberties' demands supporting the right to smoke or for non-smokers to breathe clean air. Other concerns included: the dangers of passive smoking the amount of money smokers contribute to the government through duty on cigarettes diners lighting up in restaurants without regard for other customers people wanting non-smoking made the norm and setting aside special smoking areas concerns about the effect of smoking on children

Councillor Derek Smallwood, the council's executive member for environmental services, said, "This report is a breath of fresh air into the debate. At a time when the leisure and tourism industry is becoming increasingly competitive this presents an opportunity for them to improve the viability of their businesses by listening to customers' wishes.

"I hope that more owners and proprietors of our cafes, pubs and restaurants listen to what a large majority of people are saying and provide the sort of smoke free facilities that customers and potential customers want to enjoy."

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Notes for Editors: Smokers wanting to quit can get help by ringing the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service on 01904 663310 or the National Helpline on 0800 169 0 169 120,000 deaths per year are caused by smoking 70 percent of current smokers would like to give up 83 percent of smokers would not smoke if they had their time again. 47 restaurants, cafes and bars in York and Selby currently have Clean Air Awards. Copies of the Yorkshire Guide to Clean Air are obtainable from Tourist Information Centres City of York Council teamed up with North Yorkshire Health Authority and Selby District Council in the Selby and York Break Free Alliance to launch the Smoke Free Places Project in May of last year.