Gateshead Council brought in the ban at all its sites and premises on 1 May as part of its drive to improve the health of local residents.

It follows similar bans on smoking by other organisation including Gateshead's MetroCentre.

The council says it has taken the action to set an example to other organisations in the town.

Strategic director of human resources Jan Parkinson said: "As a local authority, we need to set an example to other organisations in Gateshead by restricting smoking in our sites."

The ban is also extended to the council's licensed premised like the civic centre function suite and Gateshead Leisure Centre.

The MetroCentre introduced its smoking ban in January after a three-year study.

Other organisations to ban smoking include The Millburngate Shopping Centre in Durham City.