PUB landlords fear the Government may ban smoking in bars unless they sign up to a voluntary charter.

They say such a Draconian law would decimate their trade.

A code of practice on passive smoking at work has been approved by the Health and Safety Commission - making it easier for employees to sue employers if it becomes law next year.

And landlords fear this could lead to a total ban on smoking in pubs unless they sign up to the voluntary charter which could hold back legislation until 2003.

The hospitality industry has been singled out for special treatment with the public places charter - a voluntary agreement with the Government to ensure customers and staff can make informed choices about where they want to eat and drink.

"They banned smoking in bars in California," said Geoff Wilson, landlord at the Rockingham Arms, Towton, and regional chairman of the British Institute of Innkeeping. "And it almost decimated the industry. I have signed up to the charter and have three non-smoking tables in the pub.

"It is not much, but it gives the customer a choice.

"We are trying to get rid of the smoke, not the smokers," he added.

Another pub to adopt this policy is the Golden Fleece, Pavement, York, which has a non-smoking area and landlord Andy Yuill, himself a 20-a-day smoker, is convinced that the move is "the way forward".

"It is quite a brave step and a bit of a risk," said Andy, whose pub sells 400 meals a day.

"A lot of customers had made it clear they don't like eating in a smoky atmosphere, so we have taken this big step."

Smoking is permitted in one bar, but banned in the main area.

Signing up to the charter involves informing customers of the available smoking or non-smoking options in the pub, as well as offering staff a more "comfortable" working environment in line with Health and Safety Executive guidelines.