Cruise ships already visit other non-smoking areas

The States Commerce and Employment Department is placing an amendment to the ban, calling for liners in Guernsey waters to be exempt.

It fears creating red tape for the tourist industry could mean cruise operators will not berth in Guernsey.

But Port Agent Andrea Killington believes such fears are unfounded.

Ms Killington told BBC News: "A lot of the cruise ships already visit countries that are non-smoking - especially the American States.

"People don't expect to smoke on the ships. The majority of ships only have a very small smoking area, usually at the rear of the vessel.

"I really can't imagine it will make any difference whatsoever."