STUBBORN Yorkshire folk refuse to stub out their cigarettes. Despite 50 years of evidence that smoking kills, a substantial number remain addicted to tobacco.

Every year, 10,000 people die of smoking-related illnesses in Yorkshire. Many more suffer health problems which seriously erode their quality of life.

Today the director of public health for Yorkshire and Humber called for the region to go smoke-free.

Cities in the United States pioneered the radical ban on smoking in every shop, pub, restaurant and workplace. Now the idea is being adopted elsewhere. Ireland will become the first smoke-free country at the end of this month. Liverpool plans to become the first British city to do the same.

So should York follow New York and ban cigarettes from all public places?

Purely on health grounds, the case is strong. It would immediately cut passive smoking, which kills and harms those who never touch tobacco.

And the prospect of being forced to huddle on street corners to smoke might persuade some addicts to give it up. Perversely, of course, a ban could give cigarettes even more "rebel appeal" to youngsters.

However, if we were to bring in legislation on health grounds alone, tobacco would already be outlawed, along with alcohol, crisps and cake.

A new law must enjoy widespread public support to work. Whether that support exists in York is questionable.

Then there is the issue of free choice. Everyone who smokes knows the dangers. But in public, their right to go on smoking conflicts with the rights of others to enjoy a smoke-free environment.

Now is the time for compromise. A law which compels all public places to provide a smoke-free area would be the sensible next step.

Updated: 11:51 Wednesday, March 03, 2004