A HUDDERSFIELD health chief has welcomed moves by a supermarket chain to ban smoking in its customer cafés.
From January 30, all cafés in Morrisons stores will be smoke-free zones.
The decision comes in response to customer feedback.
Mike Hughes, assistant director of public health for Huddersfield's two primary care trusts, welcomed the news.
He said: "Smoking is the single most preventable cause of ill health and death in the UK and I welcome the fact that many public places are now deciding to become smoke-free.
"I think it's important to point out that the majority of non-smokers mind if other people are smoking nearby.
"As well as being extremely unpleasant, second hand smoke is a proven cause of both lung cancer and heart disease.
"It is estimated that more than 2,000 lung cancer deaths can be attributed to exposure to second- hand smoke."
A Morrisons spokesman said: "The decision to withdraw smoking provision in those cafés where smoking is currently available is being made in response to a noticeable shift in customer preferences.
"Customers are being advised of the changes ahead of its introduction, giving those who do smoke time to prepare."
Sainsbury's has already banned smoking in the restaurant at its Huddersfield store.
Anybody thinking about quitting smoking can call Huddersfield's Stop Smoking Service on 0800 183 2056.
