MANY pubs in the region would stop serving food to get round a smoking ban, according to a survey of publicans.

Results show that the proportion of the region's pubs which would be exempt from the proposed smoking ban could rise from the current figure of 41 per cent to 50 per cent.

This is higher than the national figure, which could rise from 29 per cent of pubs not serving prepared food to 40 per cent.

The proportion of exempt pubs in deprived parts of England and Wales could also rise from 41 per cent to 50 per cent if the bill becomes law.

The findings, released on the closing day of the Government's consultation on smoke-free workplaces, confirm the fears of health workers that a partial ban would widen the health gap between rich and poor.

Government ministers are proposing to ban smoking in pubs which serve prepared food but allow drinking-only establishments to continue to permit customers to light up.

The survey of pubs was commissioned by Cancer Research UK and Action on Smoking and Health.

Based on answers from 1,252 publicans across England and Wales, the results will increase pressure on the Government to drop the proposed exemptions from the legislation.

This message has been reinforced by the Local Government Association (LGA), which today calls on ministers to rethink the exemption for pubs serving food.

The LGA, which represents local government leaders, also wants the Government to bring in the ban sooner rather than later.

Local authorities have urged ministers to support a total smoking ban in pubs, because it would mean high levels of compliance and give the greatest protection to bar workers.

Last month, Fresh, the campaign for a smoke-free North-East, published figures which suggested that up to 80 per cent of pubs in some of the poorest parts of the region would avoid the smoking ban.

Fiona Dunlop, acting director of Fresh, said: "Given that the North-East suffers from the highest levels of lung cancer and heart disease in England, a total ban in all pubs and public places is the only logical step."

In a joint submission, the LGA and its sister organisation, the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services, have made clear their commitment to smoke-free public places.