LIKE so many recent laws, the smoking ban was in danger of being lost in the fug of compromise. Exemptions for food-free pubs and private clubs would have clouded the message and made enforcement impossible.

Then a sudden blast of common sense from MPs blew away the doubts and imposed a total ban on smoking in public places.

The vote brings English law not only in line with that in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, but with public opinion. Attitudes to tobacco have hardened like a smoker's arteries since the State issued soldiers with a cigarette ration. But the real sea-change has happened much more recently.

Five years ago the idea of an outright ban on smoking would have been thought outrageous. That was before Ireland, a nation much like England in its love for a good night out, imposed just that. Many thought the prohibition was destined to fail. In fact the law has been largely adhered to, and the number of Irish smokers has fallen significantly.

Last year the Evening Press joined with the Selby and York Primary Care Trust to launch Yes To Clean Air. Last night's vote was the best possible endorsement of our campaign for smoke-free workplaces.

The new law will cause problems to some businesses, notably working men's clubs. But they have the same duty to protect their staff from deadly smoke as everywhere else, and the committees have time to prepare for the change. North Yorkshire MPs Hugh Bayley and John Grogan led the way to this fresher, healthier future. They should be proud of spearheading a law which will undoubtedly save thousands of lives.

Updated: 11:14 Wednesday, February 15, 2006