Rugby councillors are to consider proposals to ban smoking in all council buildings and even in council vehicles.

The Personnel Sub-Committee considered the proposals last night and the matter has now gone forward to next Monday’s Policy & Resources Committee for final decision.

The sub-committee recommended a consultation exercise with elected councillors, employees, trades unions, residents and wardens of elderly people’s housing schemes on the proposals set out in a report to ban cigarette smoking.

The report points out that health risks of smoking and passive smoking are well documented and that the Health & Safety Executive recommended all employers to control smoking in the workplace following full consultation.

It recommends banning smoking on council premises, in the council’s fleet of vehicles and in communal facilities at elderly people’s housing schemes.

It adds that a further report should be made in six months in connection with smoking in the clubroom in the Town Hall, The Benn Hall and part of the bar area of The Ken Marriott Leisure Centre.

It recommends no action should be taken to ban smoking in the council’s housing stock because it would be impractical to monitor.

But it is recommended that consultation should start on banning ‘lighting-up’ in the foyer to the Civic Suite, the councillors’ room, the leader of the council’s room, the workshop and mess at the Works Services Unit, two offices in The Retreat and the market office.