The artist said the needs of all people should be catered for

The 69-year-old, who is originally from Bradford, said the needs of both smokers and non-smokers should be catered for in a democratic country.

The ban on smoking in enclosed public places will come into force in England on 1 July.

But the ban will allow people to live in a healthier environment free from second-hand smoke, the government says.

'Saving lives'

But Mr Hockney, who is a smoker, has previously described the ban as a "serious subject about tolerance and liberty".

He said: "Obviously some people don't like smoking but there are other people who do.

"Shouldn't they both be catered for in a democratic country?

"There are lots of places . . . where you can't smoke and there are some where you can.

Harm of smoke

"What the smoker does is go to those places, and the non-smoker goes to the other.

"But the non-smoker is now demanding that every place must be suitable for them."

But public health Minister Caroline Flint said the ban was the most important health protection measure in a generation.