SMOKING is the issue that refuses to burn itself out.

We have known for decades that this habit is bad for us. Smokers realise this all too clearly, being confronted by dire health warnings every time they reach for a cigarette. Non-smokers strongly suspect smoking is harmful to them too.

A White Paper published earlier this month said smoking should be banned in most enclosed public spaces, especially where food was being served. Pubs and private clubs which did not serve food would be free to permit smoking.

Health campaigners who had wanted a total ban expressed anger at what they saw as a loophole.

Yet there is no doubt wider restrictions are moving nearer. And now a North Yorkshire pub has gone its own way and introduced an outright ban on smoking. The Blue Bell Country Inn, near Easingwold, is popular for its food and landlord Mike Anson says "people don't like eating with second-hand smoke travelling around".

Mr Anson is to be congratulated for taking this clear-sighted decision. It appears to be right for his pub and should delight non-smokers. Other publicans may well think differently and the White Paper gives traditional pubs room to accommodate smokers.

For all that, it is hard to avoid the feeling that smoking in public places faces further restrictions. While many people will be pleased by this, diehard smokers may feel persecuted. But the rules on smoking are beginning to be re-written.

Updated: 09:42 Tuesday, November 30, 2004