Test Valley Borough Council is backing a new scheme to encourage eating and drinking outlets to become completely smoke-free before government legislation forces them to in 2008.

Work has started to find pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes who want to join The Smoke Free Eating and Drinking Award.

Owners of venues maybe concerned about the effect going smoke-free will have on their trade but the council hope diners will be able to help persuade them by leaving special "calling cards" after a meal.

One of the cards carried the message: "Thank you for a lovely meal. It would have been even more enjoyable if it had been... smoke free."

The cards are available from the library, Tourist Information Centres, GP surgeries or Test Valley Borough Council offices.

Louisa Rice, the TVBC Environment and Health Promotions Officer, said that premises taking part in other similar schemes elsewhere in the country had not experienced a drop in trade.

"The King Rufus in Chandler's Ford has already gone completely smoke-free and the customers have told the landlord that they appreciate it because they are smoking less!, she said.

Louisa pointed out the other benefits to the owners of smoke-free eateries - insurance premiums are lower because they are less of a fire risk and redecoration costs are reduced.

Research has proved breathing in second hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, asthma and pneumonia. Although ventilation systems help remove the smell of smoke they do not remove the pollutants that cause cancer, said Louisa.

By 2008 all premises that serve food will have to be no-smoking zones.

The Smoke Free Eating and Drinking Scheme is run by Smoke Free Hampshire and Isle of Wight, an alliance between the NHS and local authorities.

Later this year it is hoped to produce a guidebook listing all the smoke-free eateries in Hampshire.

For more information log onto www.smokefreehampshire.co.uk or if you run an establishment serving food and would like to find out how to join the scheme contact Jill Wilson, 01962 863511 or e-mail jill.wilson@midhampshirepct.nhs.uk