Polls are producing differing results

The pressure group Forest found only 28% of those surveyed supported an outright ban with no exemptions.

A government consultation exercise on the measures to cut workplace exposure to tobacco smoke ends next week.

Health campaigners said research backed by the tobacco industry should be taken "with a pinch of salt".

A poll commissioned by the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) and Cancer Research UK last month found 73% supported a complete ban on smoking in workplaces.

There is no enthusiasm for a total ban on smoking in all public places Simon Clark

The Forest poll, of 1,170 people, found most supported the introduction of some restrictions.

Those surveyed were asked to choose their preferred option for change from the four alternatives set out in the Department of Health's consultation.

The results suggest:

• 29% favour the current voluntary approach, with employers asked but not forced to make more places smoke-free

• 28% support an outright ban with no exemptions

• 23% want powers devolved to local authorities

• 18% favour the government's proposal to make all public places smoke-free, except for membership clubs and pubs that do not serve food

More than two thirds of people thought smoking should continue to be allowed to some extent in pubs.

Simon Clark, director of Forest, said: "The poll shows there is no enthusiasm for a total ban on smoking in all public places.

"While people are unenthusiastic about the government's proposals, they are even less in favour of a blanket ban, especially in pubs.

"This is consistent with all previous surveys in which people have been offered a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities and better ventilation.

"The lack of support for any particular policy suggests that the government should either leave well alone and concentrate on other more important issues, or ministers should make sure that legislation defends the interests of smokers and non-smokers alike."

Confusing choice

Maura Gillespie, of British Heart Foundation, said: "Opinion polls commissioned by the tobacco industry about the tobacco industry should be taken with a pinch of salt.

"In this survey, the devil is in the detail and as people were offered such a bewildering array of alternatives to a total ban, opinion was inevitably divided.

"What we know is that numerous robust surveys commissioned by organisations such as the Greater London Authority, independent health charities and medical bodies, have shown overwhelming public support for smoke-free public places."