CAERPHILLY council could become a totally non-smoking authority from the beginning of 2006.

A report to the cabinet, which meets today, is proposing that the council bans smoking completely next year.

It's the second authority in Wales to consider such a ban - Denbighshire is discussing a similar proposal.

The current policy allows employees to take smoking breaks in designated areas, which may be inside or outside the building.

At the Pontllanfrith offices, for example, smokers are allowed to smoke at an entrance away from the public, while at Tredomen staff smoke at the front of the building.

But now officers are recommending that a new no-smoking policy is implemented.

This would mean smoking would not be allowed at any time in all council premises, including access areas and car parks and land, or in council vehicles. The ban would also include leisure centres and Blackwood Miners Institute, including any bar areas.

All council functions and activities, whether or not they are held at or on council premises, would also be no-smoking.

The only exceptions would be council residential establishments and day care facilities where smoking will be permitted, but only for clients and visitors.

And employees required to live-in on council premises would be able to smoke in areas designated as their homes.

If the new policy is agreed, employees will be given paid time off work to attend recognised cessation classes, before next January.