A BOLTON-based high street pub chain is planning to severely restrict smoking in its premises.

The Yates's group, which operates 130 bars in the UK, has committed to banning smoking at the bar by the end of next year.

The firm, which runs Yates's in Bradshawgate, Bolton, will also expand the no-smoking areas in its outlets to 80 per cent by December 2009.

The move is part of an industry initiative which has already been adopted by a number of pub and bar companies across the country.

It will apply initially to managed outlets, followed by the remainder if tenants agree.

It may also be adopted by town centre bars Barracuda Bar, on Bradshawgate, and the Varsity, in Churchgate, which are operated by the Barracuda Group, and a number of pubs across Bolton owned by Blackburn-based Thwaites' brewery.

The firms are three of 18 companies to sign-up to the no-smoking policy this week, joining five companies which agreed to the measures earlier this month.

The latest wave will mean that 40 per cent of pubs and bars in the UK - more than 28,500 outlets - will be covered by the new rules.

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "The initiative announced earlier this month has clearly gained support across the sector.

"The extension of the programme to a further 18 companies is extremely encouraging and genuinely demonstrates the industry's commitment to finding progressive and deliverable solutions to the smoking issue."