A former nightclub croupier is claiming damages against his former employer over passive smoking - in a case believed to be the first of its kind.

Former croupier Micky Dunn, 55, from east London, claims he suffers asthma because of the tobacco smoke he had to inhale when he worked at one of the gambling tables at a casino in central London.

The GMB union, which is backing the ex-croupier, said the casino failed in its duty to kep smoke away from its employees - either using an extractor fan, or by imposing no smoking rules.

Some national pub chains have already recognised that they have a legal duty to protect employees by banning smoking near bars.

But others see pubs and clubs as the last refuge for the smoker.

Graham Hassell, the GMB's casinos organiser, said: "Employers like pub and club owners have a legal duty to provide safe workplaces for their staff.

"Those who choose not to will find no hiding place when they damage the health of their staff because of their failure to act."

Clive Bates, the director of the campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), said: "Pubs, clubs and restaurants are a £20 billion business per year.

"There is no excuse for anything other than the highest level of protection for workers in this sector."