LIVERPOOL could become the first city in Britain to ban smoking in public places.
Officials are considering making the controversial move in time for the Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008.
Smoke Free Liverpool - which includes representatives from the city council, health agencies and business leaders - has been set up to campaign for the changes.
The group is investigating health and safety laws which ban smoking in all public places including offices, shops, bars and restaurants.
Research conducted for the council showed that annually there were 900 smoking related deaths in Liverpool.
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