Many don't want a total smoking ban

The Times claims people would have to apply for a licence to allow smoking in a public place - and be refused if children are allowed on the premises.

They would also be asked about moves to minimise the risk to employees.

Earlier this year John Reid said he believed there was no "overwhelming" demand for an outright ban in pubs.

Nanny state?

But Tory spokesman Andrew Lansley has accused ministers of considering a "nanny state solution" when it was possible to get a "workable, self regulated solution instead".

"This is a diversion designed to attract attention away from the many failures of this government to achieve their public health targets," he claimed.

"Seven years into a Labour Government and it is still all talk and no credible action".

Ministers have apparently been sent proposals that would make the regulation of smoking premises equivalent to the current regime for selling alcohol.

Public support?

If introduced it could see smoking bans in family restaurants and pubs that admit children to the premises.

Smoking in rooms where staff work, for example where there is a bar, could also be banned.

Restricting people's right to smoke has gained increasingly momentum in recent months with a ban on smoking in the Republic of Ireland's pubs and restaurants introduced and similar moves afoot in Liverpool - though they need the approval of Parliament.

In September Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson said a large consultation exercise found significant support for restrictions on where people can smoke.