In a strange-bedfellows twist, the head of a U.K. group representing pubs has joined forces with health advocates in calling for a complete ban on smoking in indoor spaces.

The Independent reported Jan. 24 that Rob Hayward, head of the British Beer and Pub Association, joined with lawmakers, the British Medical Association, and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) to oppose any exemptions to the smoking ban. "Exempting Britain's 20,000 members' clubs from a smoking ban that affected all pubs would be grossly unfair on the pub trade, and makes no sense in terms of protecting people from secondhand smoke," said Hayward.

Bars and restaurants have generally been among the strongest opponents to indoor-smoking bans worldwide, arguing that the prohibition would hurt business.

"Comprehensive smoke-free legislation is the only sensible option," said ASH's Deborah Arnott. "It is the fairest solution for employers. It is the easiest solution to implement and enforce. It is the only solution that protects all employees from health damage caused by secondhand smoke."