The UK smoking ban is generating nationwide support from the public, according to the latest smoking survey published by the Office for National Statistics. The survey was carried out on behalf of the NHS Information Centre for health and social care to assess changes in behaviour and attitudes towards smoking.

The majority of respondents (80 per cent) still agreed with the legislation to ban smoking in enclosed public places. There is also overwhelming support for the ban in restaurants (94 per cent), indoor shopping centres (92 per cent) and indoor sports and leisure centres (95 per cent).

Surprisingly, the study claims that socialising in pubs has increased by five per cent since the ban, with 16 per cent reporting they now go more than ever – compared with 11 per cent who say they go less. Overall, 73 per cent of people were unchanged.

Awareness of the effects from second-hand smoke appears to have increased and respondents were especially concerned about the effects on children. Nearly everyone (94 per cent) agreed there should be smoking restrictions in place “where there are, or are likely to be, children under the age of 16.”

Since the ban 53 per cent of smokers have sought advice to help quit and 54 per cent have received professional medical advice in the past five years.

The report seems to contradict the view of most pub operators. Punch Taverns, Regent Inns, JD Wetherspoon and Mitchells & Butlers have all blamed the introduction of the ban for falling sales.

The survey questioned 1,200 UK adults in England, Scotland and Wales.

Earlier this year, a report by the British Beer Pub Association showed that nearly four UK pubs closed every day during 2007 – a seven per cent increase on 2006.