More than half of Britain's pubs will ditch food in favour of allowing their customers to smoke if the White Paper is implemented in its present format, according to a survey by business advisors RSM Robson Rhodes.
The survey of 5,400 premises revealed that 56% were planning to stop serving food.
The findings are in stark contrast to Government estimates that between 70% and 90% of outlets could become smoke free.
Only 14% believed that they would gain financially from a smoking ban while 71% thought it would drive customers away. The remaining 14% said it would make no difference.
The key theme emerging from the survey was that operators are in full support of the Morning Advertiser's Room for All campaign to either allow a smoking room in a pub serving food or for smoking to be allowed at certain times of the day.
More than 90% of respondents want some flexibility to offer separate, well-ventilated smoking rooms on the premises. In addition, 61% voiced their support for smoking being allowed at times when food was not being served.
"The survey shows that operators would welcome a degree of flexibility in order to satisfy their customers," said RSM Robson Rhodes head of leisure and lifestyle Rachel Kemsley.
"With further consultation due over the summer, the big question is to what extent will the operators' view be listened to?"
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Trade groups petition to block councils' plan to ban
Trade groups are to lodge petitions thisweek against the Private Bills from Liverpool and Westminster city councils to bansmoking.
The Bills are due to be put to the House of Lords on Monday (7 February) and petitions must be lodged by this time.
The British Beer & Pub Association, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, the BII and the British Hospitality Association are putting forward a joint petition.
AIR, which campaigns against a ban, is also helping groups of licensees to submit their own petitions. Licensee association in Westminster and Middlesex are among those expected to submit petitions.