More than half of British adults support smoking ban

A study by MINTEL has found that 52 per cent of British adults are in favour of a total ban on smoking in public places.

Unsurprisingly, smokers were less eager to see a ban introduced than non-smokers. However, 29 per cent of smokers said they would support such a move.

Amanda Lintott, consumer analyst at MINTEL, said this showed smokers did care about the effect their smoking had on other people.

“The fact that a significant proportion of smokers support a ban on smoking in public places highlights the fact that many do have a conscience,” she said.

“They are aware that their habit can be detrimental not only to their own health, but also to the health of those around them.”

More worryingly for hospitality businesses, the survey also found that one in four smokers (25 per cent) claim they would not visit a public place, which operated a non-smoking policy.

However, 15 per cent of smokers said they would quit smoking if a ban were introduced.