PLANS to transform the health of the nation by outlawing smoking in most enclosed public places and restricting junk food advertising will be announced by ministers tomorrow.

The smoking ban, disclosed by The Times, will apply to most pubs, restaurants and work places in England and Wales.

But John Reid’s public health White Paper will also say that smoking should be allowed in a limited number of places that meet the strict requirements of a national regulatory system.

The Health Secretary has backed away from proposals that would have given local authorities the power to institute outright bans on smoking.

It is likely that premises will obtain permission to allow smoking to continue by making applications through the existing licensing system for alcohol and food consumption, as well as health and safety laws. Conditions would include a commitment that children would not be exposed to smoke fumes.

Although a looser regulatory regime would apply to private clubs, premises where smoking is permitted will still be required to segregate dining or restaurant areas from tobacco fumes, as well as install special ventilation systems.

The policy proposal will disappointment local authorities such as Liverpool City Council, which has been preparing to bring in an outright ban similar to those already enforced in Ireland and New York.

Mr Reid has also opted for another compromise on proposals for tackling obesity, which were disclosed by The Times last month.

Food manufacturers will be asked to sign up to a voluntary code for labelling their products with a red, orange and green “traffic light” warning system signifying which items should be eaten sparingly. Products containing high levels of salt, fat or sugar will display red labels, and healthy options such as fruit and vegetables will be marked green to encourage consumption.

The White Paper is expected to make it clear that legislation will be used to enforce the system if the food industry fails to make sufficient progress with its voluntary scheme. Ministerial aides believe that most manufacturers will fall into line.

At the same time advertisements for “red light” food products will be banned from television until the 9pm threshold, when most children are deemed to have gone to bed.

The tough measures for protection of children against junk food and smoking reflect Mr Reid’s view that the state owes a particular duty towards young and vulnerable people.

However, he also believes that adult citizens should not be forced into healthier lifestyles against their will. He has said that the Government should not be a “nanny state” but a force for enabling people to make “informed choices” in the way they exercise their rights and responsibilities.

Policies will lead to the NHS offering fitness advice and personal trainers to people who do not take enough exercise, and low-income families will be given vouchers or financial help to gain access to gyms and swimming pools. At the same time, the White Paper is expected to set out plans for action on the explosion in sexually transmitted diseases. Ministers will promise that patients should be able to get appointments at clinics within 48 hours.

Speaking on GMTV’s Sunday Programme, Mr Reid said: “What most people have told us is they do not want to take away the right of people to do that which remains legal, but they do not want people to have the right to damage other people’s health or to inconvenience others.

“I have the task of trying to make sure that things shift in favour of the majority.”

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