SMOKERS are to be banned from lighting-up anywhere within the boundaries of all Wirral Council buildings.

The new crackdown will apply to all staff, visitors, contractors and members of the public.

Existing rules over the use of electronic cigarettes are also to be tightened.

A report to next week's cabinet meeting says the zero-tolerenace smoke-free policy is "a clear statement of the council’s intent to fulfill its pledge to the local government declaration on tobacco control."

It says rather than the changes being seen as punitive, their purpose is to "nudge current smokers to re-consider their risk-taking behaviour and create the optimum environment for those that wish to quit."

But is also warns: "Failure to comply with the policy by staff could result in disciplinary action."

The authority is under no legal obligation to set up smoking shelters and none are to be provided.

The smoke-free rule also extends to public performances of theatre shows or concerts at council-owned buildings such as the Floral Pavilion.

When smoking is portrayed in order to maintain artistic integrity, the use of an electronic cigarette may be used as a substitute.

But this only applies to the actual live performance and e-cigs cannot be used during rehearsals or at any other time.

Residential care homes will be permitted to allow either individual bedrooms or a single room to be designated a smoking area.

And if a council worker visits your home for any reason, you'll be required to provide a "smoke-free environment."

The report concludes: "As a responsible employer, Wirral Council is not only committed to compliance with its statutory obligations but seeks to go further and create an environment that maximises opportunities for individuals in the work place to make healthy choices, including smoking cessation.

"This aspiration also extends beyond its employees to people in the wider community of Wirral."