Tories have voiced their opposition to a ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Brighton and Hove.

Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust has called for puffing to be outlawed in pubs, clubs and restaurants across the city in a bid to reduce passive smoking-related illnesses.

Brian Oxley, Conservative group leader on Brighton and Hove City Council, and social care spokeswoman Ann Norman issued a joint statement yesterday against the proposed ban.

They said it would infringe civil liberties and could have an impact on the tourist trade.

They said: "Owning and using tobacco is not an illegal act. We support targets for reducing smoking, especially for young people and pregnant women.

"However, with regard to where adults spend their time and in what kind of environment, it should be left to businesses and individuals to decide how they want to manage smoking on their premises and how they wish to respond to the needs of their customers and staff.

"Brighton and Hove's tourism boom has as its foundation a lively cafe and pub/club scene.

"To ban smoking, as has been suggested, would irreparably damage that culture.

"The great thing about Brighton and Hove, and the quality people treasure, is you can be who you want to be in this city."

Although national legislation would need to change before Brighton and Hove could become the first British city to ban smoking, the trust wants the issue to be treated as a top priority.