England is adopting a partial ban

A report by the British Medical Association's Tobacco Control Resource Centre describes the success of such anti-smoking laws in other countries.

Ireland has seen drops in cigarette sales and the US state California has reported fewer lung cancers.

But pro-smoking groups called evidence for passive smoking deaths a "myth".

Partial measures don't work Dr Vivienne Nathanson from the BMA Smoking ban proposed

In the recent White Paper on Public Health for England, Health Secretary John Reid announced plans for a partial ban smoking in enclosed public places.

For example, while pubs that serve food would have to enforce a ban, other pubs would not.

The BMA says this is insufficient and doomed to fail.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's head of science and ethics, said: "I hope John Reid listens to these doctors' testimonies.

"These doctors are telling us that partial measures don't work.

"It's time for the UK Government to play fair, and protect everyone from exposure to second-hand smoke at work."

But a Department of Health spokeswoman said: "As John Reid has made clear, we need to strike a balance between the rights of those who want to be protected against the harmful effects of other people's smoke and the rights of those who choose to smoke.

"That is why we are taking action to deliver a big increase in the number of smoke-free pubs and restaurants in places where food is served while ensuring that people who still want to smoke in the pub can still do so."

Smoke-free law

According to the Californian Medical Association, lung cancer rates have fallen six times faster in California than in US states without smoke-free laws since 1998.

In Ireland, cigarette sales fell by almost 16% in the first six months of the ban, according to the Irish Medical Organisation.

The evidence falls far short of justifying a total ban on smoking in every public place Simon Clark, director of the smokers' lobby group FOREST

Others oppose an outright ban.

Simon Clark, director of the smokers' lobby group FOREST, said: "The idea that people are dying in their hundreds or even thousands from passive smoking is a myth based on estimates, calculations and statistics which are in turn based on extremely dubious research.

"The evidence falls far short of justifying a total ban on smoking in every public place.

"Most people want no-smoking offices to be the norm, but in pubs, clubs and bars there is clear support for a choice of smoking and no-smoking areas and better ventilation."

BMA chairman, Mr James Johnson, said: "Powerful vested interests peddle myths that smoke-free legislation is unnecessary.

"They say that it is unworkable, unpopular, and will lead to economic ruin.

"Such predictions are little more than scaremongering. The evidence shows that smoke-free laws save lives."

He said if all UK workplaces were smoke-free, the tobacco multinationals would lose an estimated �310 million in sales every year.

Ian Willmore, from ASH, said: "A comprehensive end to smoking in work places and enclosed public places is essential to protect the health of non-smokers and encourage smokers to quit."