Clinton Rogers reports on reaction in Bristol

The smokers' rights group Forest has acclaimed Bristol for its policy of integrating the needs of smokers and non-smokers.

Forest spokeswoman Marjorie Nicholson, said: "Bristol should be very proud. It is one of the few cities in Britain that is leading the trend back to policies of accommodation for smokers and non-smokers, rather than just discrimination against smokers."

Marjorie Nicholson: "Bristol should be proud"

Forest cites examples, such as the ABC cinema which now allows smoking in its foyer, and a local superstore that allows smoking in its restaurant.

A cinema spokeswoman said: "A lot of people come out of the film with a cigarette in their mouth and the first thing they say is can we smoke in the foyer, and I say yes. They love it."

Barry Taylor, a spokesman for Bristol City Council, said the city had won many awards for innovation.

But he said: "This is not one we are particularly proud of and I don't think we will be going to London to collect it either."

Council criticised

Barry Taylor was unimpressed by the award

Martin Ball, Forest's campaigns director, condemned the council's stance.

He said: "It just shows how out of touch the authorities are. The one in three local smokers will welcome this award, as will those businesses in Bristol that want the freedom to accommodate smokers' needs."

The Forest "Honours and Dishonours" awards also included recognition of Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, for reintroducing smoking rooms for patients and visitors after a five-year gap.

Mr Ball said patients would not stop smoking in hospitals with complete bans. They would instead surreptiously take any chance to have a cigarette.

He said: "Addenbrooke's has recognised that the prohibitionist route is unwelcome and impractical. That route leads to patients congregating outside entrances, patients walking around with in their nightclothes attached to drips and patients not being around for appointments."

Lincoln County Hospital was awarded a special "off their hospital trolleys" award after introducing a device that triggers off a warning message to patients who have started smoking.

Mr Ball said: "This gadget is clearly intimidatory. Hospitals are stressful enough places for patients and visitors without adopting such a ludicrous tactic."

The actress Kate Winslett was awarded the title of Britain's most smoker friendly celebrity.