A BAN on smoking in enclosed public places is being promoted by health chiefs.
A report to the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT) said the organisation was "uniquely placed" to promote the tobacco control agenda.
Director of public health for the area, David Landes, said a ban would help tackle smoking-related illness.
"Effective control will bring immediate and long-term benefits to the population of the Durham Dales," he said.
Mr Landes said smoking accounted for 120,000 deaths a year, causing a third of UK cancer deaths.
He said: "Smoking as an addiction is far higher among people from the lower income groups.
"This means that those with the least disposable income are spending significant amounts of money to support tobacco dependence."
He recommended the PCT board sign up to a tobacco control strategy for the North-East and support more smoke-free environments in enclosed public spaces.
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