Smoking will be banned in all pubs, restaurants, private clubs and most workplaces in England by the end of 2007, after MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of an all-out smoking ban.

The decision on 14 February follows months of uncertainty over the exact format of the ban and included health minister Patricia Hewitt voting against her own proposals – which included exemptions for private members’ clubs and pubs not serving food.

The prospect of a total smoking ban has been welcomed by most hospitality industry members.

A spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association said an all-out ban was essential to obtain parity within the sector.

“We are pleased that MPs have ensured an even playing field for all, with no exemption for private members’ clubs,” he said.

“Such clubs are in direct competition with pubs and sell 1.2billion pints of beer a year.”

Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA), said: “We are very pleased at the outcome of the smoking vote and the overwhelming support for a total smoking ban.

“Our view was that the proposed partial ban was unworkable and that, if there was to be legislation, a clear-cut, all-out ban was the only solution.”

Earlier this year, a joint Lords and Commons committee on human rights said that a partial ban could breach human rights law in terms of a workers' right to fair treatment.

Scotland will introduce a smoking ban on 26 March, banning smoking in all public places including pubs and restaurants.