But, according to one of the biggest pub ballots, most favour a ban on cigarettes at the bar itself and restrictions in eating areas.
The survey, carried out in licensed premises across the city, follows warnings about the risks of passive smoking and attempts by the group Smoke Free Greater Manchester to turn all indoor public places into a smoke-free environment.
Some pubs have already called time on people smoking while they drink, and one of Greater Manchester's leading pub groups, Frederick Robinson, is reconsidering its smoking policies after the survey.
It showed that in Manchester both pub staff and customers were opposed to an outright ban, with only 15 per cent and 26 per cent respectively in favour.
But 60 per cent of pub staff preferred a smoking ban at the bar and 66 per cent in eating areas, while 61 per cent of customers backed a ban in eating areas.
Committed
The ballot, which took place in June, was part of a national survey in which more than 9,000 people took part. Nationally, only 17.2 per cent of staff and 24.7 per cent of customers supported plans for a ban in pubs and bars.
Publican William Robinson said the ballot had for the first time enabled a clear view of what staff and customers in Manchester thought about smoking policy.
"We are keen that such policies remain a voluntary decision for the licensed trade and as such we take the results of this poll extremely seriously," he said.
"As an organisation we are committed to offering a wide range of choice to our customers on the issue of smoking and the message is clear - people want more provision for non-smokers as well as smokers."
The findings of the Manchester ballot echo an Office of National Statistics survey, showing that only 20 per cent of the UK public want a total smoking ban in public.
ian.craig@men-news.co.uk
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in answer to my wife who wrote in Swedish ,even though her english is very good,she says she agrees with smoking,anywhere in the pub. As a cigar smoker, and brandy drinker, by the way martell is my favourite,say no more, i think all smoking in the pubs should be banned, and all the customers incl. staff should all go outside, and smoke together. I am sure this way would be a step forward to better relations between staff and customers. Oh and good luck CITY.
ban smoking in all public places its a disgusting habit, why should non smokers breathe in other peoples bad habits??
now - now - now you non-smokers, stop being selfish!!!
i disagree with people who want to ban smoking i know we breath it in but lets face it we all breath in car fumes !!!!!!!! are they going to ban them next !!!!!!!! im a non smoker and it doent bother me people smoking i think its nice for people to relax with a few drinks and a ciggerette i say leave these people alone .
Gooooooooooo Juuuullliiiieeee!!! I agree, let's ban motorcars instead:D
How can someone who isn't smoking be being selfish? Am I affecting you, a smoker, in any way? Do I make you breath in foul smelling fumes? No, so I don't see how I am being selfish. You, the smoker are selfish by inflicting your filth on me and other non smokers. I am sic and tired of having to wash my hair and clothes everytime I go to a pub because I come out and smell like an ash tray. Also, being an asthmatic, it causes me great discomfort. hink about people with chest difficulties and other such problems which are made worse bu YOUR smoke. Then again, as most smokers seem to be, you don't give a damn and verbally abuse those who dare to ask you if you would mind not smoking as you are affecting my health. THAT, is being selfish. Would it hurt you not to smoke just for an hour or two?