SMOKING will still be permitted in private clubs exempted from new laws designed to eradicate the habit in most pubs, restaurants and workplaces, it emerged last night.

The Government’s long-awaited public health policy proposals next week will also limit the power of local authorities to impose an outright ban on smoking. As disclosed by The Times last week, ministers plan to restrict smoking in enclosed public places only to those premises which have obtained a special licence from the local authority.

The policy has been the subject of fierce debate within Whitehall, as well as last-minute pleas from industry leaders hoping to escape a total ban on smoking in public places similar to that being proposed in Scotland.

Downing Street and John Reid, the Health Secretary, have argued against proposals for outright bans, both local and national. A deal is understood to have been thrashed out before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, at which ministers finally “signed off” the policy.

Senior sources told The Times that private clubs will not be required to obtain a smoking licence but will be subject to inspections to prove they are not admitting children and have taken steps to protect staff from exposure to smoke.

Pubs and restaurants will have to meet even tougher requirements before being eligible for a licence. These include providing a ventilated area for smokers segregated from staff and other customers, as well as most eating areas. Any premises hoping to get such a licence will be strictly off-limits to children. These measures will effectively rule out smoking in the many pubs which are dependent on income from meals and family groups.

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