Thousands of doctors have written to Prime Minister Tony Blair

The local branch of the British Medical Association believes it is a move the island should make ahead of the UK.

In the UK, 4,500 doctors have written to Prime Minister Tony Blair demanding a complete ban on smoking in pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The BMA's Dr Brian Parkin said he believed it was an example of where Guernsey could lead rather than follow.

Confined spaces

"I think the Board of Health locally has been very good in supporting anti-social measures," he said.

"I would like to see Guernsey leaving the UK in this aspect, but I think it's very much a matter for the Board of Health, as it is for the UK Government.

"To be honest I am not very hopeful of the UK Government doing anything, but we can maybe achieve more locally than we can in the UK."

One Guernsey restaurateur, Nello Ciotti, said he was supporting the ban.

He said it was not only unhealthy, but also anti-social, especially in confined spaces.