LANDLORDS are being encouraged to ban smoking around bars in a move to head off a total ban on smoking inside pubs and clubs.

The Licensed Victuallers' Association is recommending a voluntary code rather than the complete ban being called for by doctors.The move comes as a local public health expert called on the government to get tough on smoking in public places.

Geoff Sutcliffe, landlord at Wilpshire's Rising Sun, is secretary of Blackburn LVA. He said: "We're encouraging our members to stop smoking at bars and working on a voluntary code.

"Landlords should be worried. If a total ban is brought in, a lot of smaller pubs would go out of business."

Andy Payton, of Pitchers Bar in Blackburn town centre, said smoking had been banned at the bar for a few weeks.

"We've stopped it for customers and staff, and for business reasons.

"But the ban is also good for business, because people sit down at tables to smoke, which lets others near the bar to order drinks and food."

Stephen Morton, of Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust said: "I'd like to see a ban brought in by the government, as has happened in Ireland. That would resolve this quickly rather than leaving it up to local authorities or pubs to govern themselves."

Prime Minister Tony Blair faces calls to ban smoking in pubs and restaurants by 4,500 doctors.

At Burnley blacksmith's firm Rourkes, smoking is currently allowed in some offices and workshops.

Receptionist Anna Howarth said: "Certain areas like the kitchen and toilets are designated no-smoking areas. But I'd say there's about 28 out of 40 people who smoke in the offices, including some managers."

Mike Damms, of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Bar managers will increasingly be worried about being sued by workers who claim they've suffered from passive smoking. If there's a complete ban, how will they enforce it?"