WEST Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass is collecting a petition in support of his concerted campaign calling for designated smoking rooms to be reintroduced in pubs.

The UKIP MEP has issued a rallying cry for people and publicans to back his drive and reinvigorate the struggling pub industry.

By emailing ukipwm@yahoo.com, publicans and members of the community can pledge their support to the campaign.

All those emailing the address must include their names, full address and a brief statement outlining why they are supporting the campaign.

Mr Nattrass said the introduction of the smoking ban in pubs on July 1 2007 had had a devastating impact on the nation’s pub industry.

With thousands of pubs closing since the 2008 Budget and with further beer tax increases expected in April’s Budget, Mr Nattrass said the smoking ban, which followed the EU Council's recommendation 2003/54 calling on all EU member states to “implement legislation providing suitable protection from the effects of passive smoking at working places“, has hit the pub trade in the pocket.

Mr Nattrass says separate ventilated and un-staffed smoking rooms should be allowed in British locals.

“British pubs are an essential part of our tradition. They should not close as a result of a dictatorial directive which takes no account of our way of life,” said Mr Nattrass.

“I would urge as many people as possible to email me and back my efforts to support the British pub industry, which is having a real tough time at the moment.

“Pubs don’t just employ people, they are right at the heart of local communities.

“I think publicans should have freedom of choice over their smoking policies. I don’t smoke myself but I believe separate, ventilated and un-staffed smoking rooms should be allowed."

The petition will be sent to Number 10 Downing Street.