In a recent survey carried out by the Metrocentre, in Gateshead, more than half of its customers said they would like a smoking ban.

But managers say there are no plans to make the centre non-smoking until 2003 at the earliest.

A number of health organisations have also lobbied the Metrocentre to bring in a smoking ban over fears about passive smoking.

I think it is true that most smokers do not have a problem going shopping for an hour or so without having a cigarette Simon Clarke, Forest

Elaine Wilson, from the Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We have done a number of campaigns around passive smoking and we have looked at what other people who are operating big public places have done.

"We know there are a couple of shopping centres locally who have banned smoking and don't seem to have had a big problem with it.

"The Metrocentre is a big public area... and we appreciate it may be difficult to introduce a no-smoking policy.

"But we would be happy to work with them to develop something that is going to protect the health of shoppers."

Commercial sense

But Simon Clarke, director of pro-smoking group Forest, said shopping centres should not ban smoking completely.

He said: "I think if the larger shopping centres allow designated smoking areas then it as least gives people a choice.

"I think it is true that most smokers do not have a problem going shopping for an hour or so without having a cigarette.

"But if these larger shopping centres want people to come in for two, three or four hours and do their shopping over a morning or an afternoon, I think it makes commercial sense to have an area where smokers can go."