Researchers showed that more people began to go to the pubs, open air dining areas and beer gardens where serve food since smoking was prohibited. New data from Cancer Council Victoria shows a 9% rise in hotel patronage since July last year, when smoking was banned inside all pubs and nightclubs.

But more than 80% of the 1250 current and former smokers said that the ban had not made any difference. Quit executive director Fiona Sharkie said that the smoking bans were good for business. "The sky has not fallen in because you cannot smoke in bars and clubs. More people are going to these venues and socializing without exposure to second-hand smoke," Sharkie added.

Anti-tobacco groups now want also to extend the ban to beer gardens, balconies and street-front tables where food is served.

"Anyone who wants to dine outside has to endure a side serve of passive smoking, and the overwhelming feedback from the public is that they would like that situation changed urgently," Ms Sharkie reported.

Despite bleak warnings that last year's tobacco bans would destroy Victoria's pub culture, the hotel industry has adapted and prospered.

Paddy O'Sullivan, general manager of public affairs, said: "Many Victorian hotels have worked hard to create an atmosphere that is more favorable for families and other patrons put off by tobacco smoke." Mr. O'Sullivan rejected any plan to extend tobacco bans outside. "We believe that no further restrictions are warranted," he added.

Michael Flanagan, the owner of Prahran's Flying Duck Hotel, said a ban would be disastrous for many venues, some of which had recently spent up to $200,000 on beer gardens, balconies and roof-top terraces. Before smoking ban Mr. Flanagan had a large beer garden for smokers. But any further ban would certainly have a detrimental effect.

"If people aren't able to smoke at the tables, they will probably stand and smoke, or move down the street a few metres," he added.

Anti-smoking researchers came to the conclusion that cigarette smoke are unnecessary because the pub serves organic vegetables dishes and tobacco fumes would ruin the taste.