MOVES to stub out smoking in all of Poole's bars, restaurants and shops are under way.

Three councillors are urging the Borough of Poole to look into the possibility of seeking a by-law banning or severely restricting smoking in all public buildings.

And they want the council to consult with the public to see whether this is something they would welcome.

Their move comes in the wake of a Daily Echo report on national chain Pizza Hut, which has now banned all smoking from its 400 restaurants.

Cllr Peter Adams, who has signed the motion along with his Conservative colleagues Cllr Dave Gillard and Cllr Guy Montrose, believes Poole could benefit from following the example set by New York and currently being considered by rival resort Brighton.

"The idea is to look at banning or restricting smoking in all covered areas where the public can go, such as pubs and restaurants," he said.

"The last time the council looked at smoking was in 1978. In the last 25 years, knowledge has progressed and a lot of people are more sensitive to smoking.

"Plus, back in 1978, there weren't a lot of children in restaurants and pubs like there are now.

"Personally, I think New York has set a very enviable example but I really want to know what the people of Poole think and I hope we can consult them about this.

"If people tell us they don't want it then that is absolutely fine. But I really want to get some consultation going."

Cllr Adams, who runs the London Marathon every year for the charity Help and Care, said he does not wish to alienate smokers or make them feel like they are being victimised.

But Simon Clark, director of smokers' rights group Forest, said the Borough of Poole has no power to introduce any such by-law.

"When it comes to pubs and restaurants, these are private businesses and they have to be allowed to choose their smoking policy themselves," he said.

"It's complete and utter nonsense to think that local politicians could impose a ban like this.

"We support smoking restrictions but think the ideal situation for somewhere like Poole is to have smoking and non-smoking areas in all places."

The motion is due to be considered by councillors on Tuesday, September 16.

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