The majority of people in the EU support a ban on smoking in offices, shops and some other public places, but remain divided as to whether it should be prohibited in restaurants and bars, according to an EU survey conducted at the end of last month.

The Eurobarometer poll of 25,000 people found that 84 per cent support a ban on smoking in any indoor public space, but only 56 per cent say it should be banned in restaurants and 40 per cent in bars. Nonetheless, the ban that came into force in Scotland in March is due to be enforced in England next year, as the government's latest attempt to force consumers to give up their habit and improve their health. (pi)