Fifty nine percent of daily smokers supported a change in the law, as did 68 percent of infrequent smokers, it said.

The survey comes in the same week as plain-speaking health minister John Reid kicked up a storm by saying that smoking was one of the few pleasures left in life for the poor.

"What enjoyment does a 21-year-old single mother-of-three living in a council sink estate get? The only enjoyment sometimes they have is to have a cigarette," he said.

Anti-smoking groups have called his remarks foolish, while smokers' lobby groups praised his bravery in the current anti-smoking climate.

The survey contradicted Reid's assertion that the anti-smoking lobby was a middle-class obsession.

"The support extends to smokers and non-smokers alike, and across every region and social class," said ASH director Deborah Arnott. "The public wants action to end second-hand smoke at work."

Britain's Labour government is considering a ban on smoking in public places but may leave legislation to local authorities. But the poll of over 4,000 people found 64 percent wanted a national ban on smoking at work.

Support for a ban in state hospitals and clinics reached 96 percent, while 79 percent wanted a ban in restaurants. But it fell to 49 percent for pubs and bars and 47 percent for nightclubs.