CALLING cards have been produced to put pressure on Hampshire pubs and restaurants to go smoke-free.

Diners are being encouraged to leave a small card on their table after a meal to let staff know their feelings about the smoking issue.

Produced by the NHS and local councils, one card thanks the establishment for being free of smoke while the other version thanks staff for the meal but says it would have been more enjoyable had the premises been smoke-free.

The move comes after plans were revealed to make Southampton a smoke-free city by 2008.

As reported in the Daily Echo yesterday, more than 20 organisations have signed up to Southampton's first smoke-free charter, pledging to rid their premises of tobacco smoke.

Latest figures show one in three deaths in the city is caused by smoking-related illnesses, while an estimated 18 people a year die as a result of passive smoking.

Now people across Hampshire are being urged to make their views known on whether they

would like to see a smoking ban imposed in pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes.

Test Valley Council is among local authorities promoting the calling card scheme in a bid to encourage eating and drinking outlets to become smoke-free straight away.

A council spokesman said: "Recent research has proved beyond doubt that breathing in second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease in adults and diseases, such as asthma and pneumonia, in children.

"It has also been found that while expensive ventilation systems help remove the smell of smoke, they do not remove the pollutants that cause cancer.

"Owners of eating and drinking venues are understandably concerned about the effect going smoke-free will have on their business.

"They need to know if you would prefer a smoke-free venue so you don't have to breathe in other people's smoke and go home with smelly clothes and hair."

The calling cards are available from libraries, tourist information centres, GP surgeries or council offices in the Romsey and Test Valley area.

Alternatively, visit www.smokefreehampshire.co.uk for more information.