Smokers have accused council bosses of "fascist behaviour" for banning their fag breaks.

Lewes District Council has stopped all staff and councillors from nipping out for a cigarette during working hours.

Neil Rafferty, spokesman of smokers' rights organisation Forest, strongly criticised the move and said: "It is really unfortunate that Lewes District Council has decided to be so heavy handed and to be so abusive towards its staff.

"This is fascist behaviour from them and they should be ashamed of themselves."

The prohibition will be introduced ahead new legislation comes into effect banning the habit from the majority of enclosed public places.

From July all work places will have to be smoke-free, including pubs and clubs.

Lewes council has gone further than the legislation requires and banned smoking on all council property and stopped staff from taking smoking breaks.

The only council premises that would be exempt are private residences.

Council chairwoman Marina Pepper hit back angrily at Forest and said: "Isn't it typical of a pro-smoking lobby to think it can speak on behalf of the diligent and hard working staff of Lewes District Council?

"We value the health and well-being of our community and I'm looking forward to being re-elected as a councillor and as a smoker I intend to lead from the front and I'm going to give smoking up.

"How dare he speak on the staff's behalf. He doesn't have the right or the information to speak on their behalf."

As part of its strategy to deal with the ban the council will offer smokers help to quit and appoint a part-time officer in the short term to help organise staff training on the law to ensure compliance.

Local authorities and businesses across Sussex have been busy preparing for the smoking ban. In 65 days' time, England will fall into line with the rest of the UK with the smoking ban.

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