Sir.-With reference to a recent article, "Smoke-free worker to target public places", in The Gazette, and the subsequent letters to the editor, we would like to clarify some of the issues raised.

Council tax money is not being used to fund this project. The Smoke Free Eating and Drinking scheme is entirely funded from a grant from the Department of Health.

As the most common preventable cause of ill-health and death in this country, the Department of Health is keen to reduce rates of smoking and prevent exposure to second-hand smoke.

The NHS is, therefore, working closely with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and other neighbouring local authorities to encourage smoke-free eating and drinking premises in order to promote the health and wellbeing of local people.

This scheme is not about telling smokers they cannot smoke. It is about allowing freedom of choice for those who do not wish to work or socialise in a smoky atmosphere.

As mentioned in the article, only one quarter of the UK's population are smokers and they have the right to be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

All employees have the right to work in a smoke-free environment.

If you ask local people, the majority will support smoke-free eating and drinking. If restaurant and pub owners want to attract custom and improve business, they will have to cater for the increasing majority of non-smokers.

The voluntary approach has not worked, with only a few major chains - such as Wetherspoons - taking the lead.

Therefore, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council hopes that this scheme will encourage and support those businesses who want to go smoke free.

-Sarah Preece, co-ordinator for Smoke Free Hampshire and Isle of Wight (an alliance between the NHS, local authorities and the Armed Forces), North Hampshire PCT.