Smoking will be outlawed in pubs in England and Wales within five years, even if ministers do not impose a statutory ban.

Brewers have also promised to end smoking in eating areas within a year and to stop customers smoking at the bar two years after that.

At least 80 per cent of pubs and bars would be smoke-free by 2008, under proposals from the Beer and Pub Association.

In Scotland yesterday, ministers voted to ban smoking in all public places. The ban is expected to come into force in the spring of 2006.

Leading health organisations have expressed delight at the Scottish ban and are urging the government to follow Scotland's lead.

An NOP poll in the Mirror finds that 77 per cent want a total ban in restaurants. 

The Guardian reports that train company GNER will be forced to ditch plans for new smoking carriages as a result of the ban.