Four Greene King pubs are already smoking-free

Suffolk's Greene King Pub Company has unveiled a new policy designed to cut the number of pubs allowing smoking.

Moves are likely to include a total ban on smoking in 225 of its 550 directly managed food-led pubs.

The ban is most likely in the chain's Hungry Horse outfits, plus 50 dining pubs and 70 Old English Inns, which have accommodation.

The changes come amid calls for a nationwide ban on smoking in public places which the company, part of the Bury St Edmunds-based Greene King brewing giant, said was "almost inevitable".

We think the changes will grow trade because many people are put off by a smoky atmosphere in pubs Marketing director Adam Collett

The first pub in the chain to become totally smoke-free earlier this month was the Rushbrooke Arms in Bury St Edmunds. Three more followed and their success has prompted the latest move.

The intention is for one pub a week to switch, depending on the reaction of customers.

The pub chain's marketing director, Adam Collett, said: "We believe in the rights of our customers to choose their own lifestyles.

"Equally, we respect the right of customers who prefer to enjoy our hospitality in a smoke-free environment.

"We think the changes will grow trade because many people are put off by a smoky atmosphere in pubs.

"We would certainly want all of our eating areas to be smoke-free over time."

The company also pledges to increase non-smoking areas and to have a non-smoking section at the bar wherever possible.

Two weeks ago the expanding brewery bought another 432 public houses for �654m from Luton-based Laurel Pub Company, bringing its total outlets included tenanted and leased pubs, to 2,100.