The British Medical Association has called for new laws to ban smoking in parks, pubs, clubs and restaurants as well as a tax on tobacco companies which would pay for anti-smoking campaigns.

The campaign group Action on Smoking and Health welcomed the move and said it would be writing to MPs to propose a private member's bill for a general ban on smoking at work.

Forum Response: British Beer and Pub Association

A spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association told ePolitix.com: "The pub industry already has a voluntary smoking charter which pubs sign up to. Pubs are increasingly using signs to customers explaining their smoking policy, as well as installing better ventilation and no smoking areas."

Forum Response: The Stroke Association

Eoin Redahan, director of the Stroke Association, told ePolitix.com: "We have joined in partnership with other organisations to encourage the government to restrict smoking in the workplace.

"Over 100,000 people suffer a first stroke each year and around 300,000 people are living with the effects of a stroke. Actions to promote a smoke-free environment will help reduce the high numbers of people who suffer from a stroke in this country."