The Cabinet is divided over plans to allow "smoking rooms" in pubs. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt suggested the compromise rather than a total ban on smoking.
But Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has written to anti-cigarette campaigners setting out her opposition to the so-called "smoking carriage" idea.
David Blunkett and David Miliband are also determined to block Hewitt when ministers discuss the plans this week.
The "smoking carriages" will have to be sealed chambers with high-quality ventilation and self-closing doors to cut them off from public areas.
A source close to Hewitt admitted the plan was to make them "as unpleasant as possible".
The Independent on Sunday 23/10/05 page 5
The Sunday Times 23/10/05 page 5
Related articles
NewsDimbleby resigns as government food tsar
The co-founder of Leon has quit his role at Defra, criticising the government for its “insane” inaction on the nation’s obesity crisis.
- News
Government criticised for omitting hospitality workers from shortage occupation list
UKHospitality said the decision not to include overseas restaurant and bar workers in its shortage occupation list was “disappointing”
- News
Sector counting on Chancellor for support in Budget
Support on energy, business rates, VAT and the labour market are among the key areas the hospitality sector is calling for the government to address in its spring statement today
More Pubs, Bars & Clubs
- News
BBPA warns of ‘cliff edge’ for many pubs
Pubs across the country will be hit with a significant increase in energy costs from 1 April, with the average bill to go up by more than £18k a year, the trade body has warned
- News
Marston’s markets 61 freehold pubs
The assets are a selection of non-core properties, include a mix of leased, tenanted, retail and managed pubs
- News
Pubs can stay open later for King’s Coronation weekend
Pubs, bars and clubs in England and Wales will be able to serve customers until 1am between Friday 5 and Sunday 7 May
