SMOKERS in Bolton could be forced to stub out their cigarettes in the future as civic leaders consider making the town one of Britain's first smoke-free zones.

Bolton Council is looking at the effect a total ban would have on the town following the Government's pledge to take measures allowing some of Britain's biggest cities to ban smoking in public.

The move comes after a report branded smoking public enemy number one and said there was a clear case for harsh restrictions and higher taxes.

Derek Wanless's long-awaited public health report could mean the UK follows examples set by Ireland, New York and California - where bans already exist - in an attempt to cut the 120,000 deaths a year blamed on the habit.

A Council spokesman said: "Bolton Council is watching with interest what happens with regards to any new legislation. The environment department is already working closely with Bolton Primary Care Trust to take forward a tobacco control strategy entitled Making Smoking History in Bolton. The aim is to work towards a possible local by-law."

Deborah Smethurst, tobacco control manager for Bolton NHS PCT, said: "If we make it more difficult for people to smoke in public places it could help stop people smoking altogether.

"Banning smoking gives voices to the 70 per cent of the population who choose not to smoke."

John Jewitt, landlord of Ye Olde Man and Scythe, is banning smoking in his Churchgate pub on No Smoking Day next Wednesday.

He said: "My suspicion is that no smoking bans in public places will happen. There would be a very difficult period when trade would be affected, but I suppose people would come back eventually."