A debate on whether smoking should be banned in public places is drawing to a close.

Thousands in Brighton and Hove have responded to a questionnaire asking for views on smoking in cafs, restaurants, clubs, pubs, bingo halls, offices and other workplaces.

The Big Smoke Debate ends on September 30 and those who have not already taken part are being urged to register their views.

The survey, organised by Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust (PCT), is open to all ages. It is not a referendum on whether smoking should be banned but a way of finding people's views.

The campaign to ban smoking is growing and backed by UK chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson, who says the impact of passive smoking on health can be devastating.

The PCT is also trying to encourage clubs, pubs and other businesses to voluntarily introduce a smoking ban.

Five major pub chains are already backing this idea, including Enterprise Inns, which owns 94 pubs in East and West Sussex, Punch Taverns and the Spirit Group.

The questionnaires can be filled out online and copies will be available from libraries and family, information, job and health centres.

For more information, visit www.thebigsmokedebate.com