A TOTAL smoking ban in public would damage the pub trade and lead to bars in Bolton closing for good, landlords fear.

The government's current plans are to introduce a partial ban on smoking that would affect bars which serve food.

Those that do not would not be forced to ban smoking completely.

But a recent report by an influential group of MPs on the Commons health select committee suggested the proposals were unworkable.

The committee said the only way forward was to introduce a blanket ban to ensure the law can be more easily enforced.

Bolton licensees spoke about their concerns after the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations published a survey claiming 35 per cent of its members would be forced out of business.

Nick Hogan, landlord of The Swan, in Churchgate, Bolton - one of five pubs he owns - said: "The government is interfering in what is a legal activity. Smoking generates massive revenue, as does the pub industry.

"Pubs are not government owned. If the government wants them to be, they can pay our bills.

"Implementing a total smoking ban in pubs is not their business.

"Customers are mature enough to know they shouldn't go into a pub if the environment is going to bother them.

"In Ireland, pub trade is down by 30 per cent because of the legislation.

"If a total ban is introduced here, will our taxes and rates be cut? The proposal is appalling."

His stance was backed by Gary Parker, landlord of the "family-friendly", food-serving Crown pub in Chorley New Road, Horwich.

He said: "I have to agree that the proposal for a full ban will cause us all problems.

"Seventy-five per cent of our customers smoke.

"We have plans to develop an outside area for smokers, but I doubt this is a real solution. Without a doubt, a full ban would be damaging."

Pipe smoker John Jewitt, who has owned Ye Olde Man and Scythe, Churchgate, Bolton for nearly 10 years, said: "The problem most licensees have is that the regulation is about protecting employees from secondary smoke.

"But most of my employees smoke and that's not unusual for bar staff.

"This is a very much a real drinkers' pub and I don't want to see a total ban on smoking because it would have a dramatically bad influence on town centre pubs."

Tony Payne, head of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said: "Our survey found that a total ban would mean 35 per cent of our members would have to close their pubs and 97 per cent would be forced to lay off staff."