VENUES run by Canterbury city council, including the Marlowe Theatre and King's Hall, could become smoke-free by April 1.

That is the recommendation to be voted on by councillors when they next meet on February 17.

The ban would also apply to Westgate Hall and other council managed properties. Smoking is already banned in the main council offices and in council run museums.

The council will also join with the Kent Alliance on Smoking and Health (KASH) to push for a smoking ban in all public work spaces, including pubs, clubs and restaurants.

A council spokesman said: "This is a widening of the net in terms of the council's no smoking policy in all its properties.

"We will also help our own staff who want to give up smoking and work with the local health authority to encourage a smoke free environment in all enclosed public spaces."

In November, Cllr Nick Eden-Green put forward a motion asking councillors to follow Liverpool's lead in approving a smoking ban in public work places.