The Government today announced a ban on smoking in workplaces, restaurants and 80 per cent of pubs in England, but angered campaigners by stopping short of a blanket ban.

Unveiling his White Paper on public health policy, John Reid, the Health Secretary, told Parliament that smoking would be banned in all workplaces and restaurants, and in pubs where food is served. The ban will take effect within four years.

But pubs which do not serve food, and some private members clubs, would be exempted, meaning that smokers will still be able to have a pint and a cigarette in about 20 per cent of pubs.

Dr Reid called it "a sensible solution which balances the protection of the majority with the personal freedom of the minority".

But doctors and anti-smoking campaigners thought it was a bodge and asked why, with recent research highlighting the danger of passive smoking, the Government could not simply adopt an Irish-style ban on smoking in all public buildings.

"The White Paper is a big step forwards for public health. If passed into law, it will save thousands of lives every year, as vulnerable people are no longer exposed to dangerous second hand smoke at work, and as thousands of smokers are encouraged to cut down or quit altogether," said Deborah Arnott, director of leading anti-smoking lobby group ASH.

"But Dr Reid's last-ditch defence of smoking in pubs and clubs has led to a ridiculous bodge. There is no excuse at all for the Government to accept that second hand smoke is a

serious health and safety issue, and then to try to exempt some of the employees most at risk."

The smoking ban will be applied in stages, with all Government departments and the NHS leading the way - all being smoke-free by the end of 2006. By the end of 2007, all enclosed public places and workplaces will be smokefree, and by the end of 2008 arrangements will be in place for licensed premises also to be subject to legislation.

Smoking will still be allowed in pubs which do not serve food - although campaigners say these tend to attract younger working class drinkers - and in private clubs, subject to the agreement of members. To protect bar staff, it will, however, be banned in all premises around the bar area.

Dr Reid said the Government was eager to allow individuals to make their own informed choices on improving their health.

"We believe that, in a free society, men and women ultimately have the right within the law to choose their own lifestyle, even when it may damage their own health," he said.

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