DARTFORD MP Howard Stoate is calling for all pubs to be smoke free after a report branded a partial ban "unfair, unjust, inefficient and unworkable".

Dr Stoate has voted for an amendment to be made to the Government's Health Protection Bill demanding smoking be banned in all pubs.

Currently the bill, which could become law by summer next year, only covers pubs selling food.

He based his decision on a report by the health select committee which stated all staff working in bars deserve protection from second-hand smoke.

Dr Stoate said: "A partial ban would fail to protect workers. A complete ban is the only sensible way forward."

The MP hopes the amendment will be supported by a parliamentary majority and the bill changed.

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