I MUST point out a few facts to Mr Hickman who is under the mistaken impression that as a smoker he and other smokers have the right to indulge in their habit when out and about.

Smoking is a filthy dirty habit that kills. It kills not only those who choose to indulge but also those who are surrounded by the poisonous fumes. In my experience most smokers are selfish. Why else would you choose to inflict your death wish on others?

The reason for the smoking ban is to ensure everyone has a right to work in a safe environment. If it was simply a matter of the smell not being pleasant when one is eating a meal then it would be a different matter but we are talking about a slow and deadly poison. Those involved in the hospitality trade have for too long been unable to indulge in their right to a safe work environment because the environment they work in is full of poisonous smoke. Would you be happy for your child/wife/ mother/father to breathe in arsenic and carcinogenic smoke, that with continual exposure will result in long term health risks and eventually death, because that is what you as a smoker are saying your rights are. Do you have the right to inflict death on another person? Cigarette smoke KILLS. Wake up and realise this. Sorry smokers, you have no right to smoke around others.

Smoke in your own home away from innocent children and adults or better still take this forthcoming ban as an opportunity to kick the habit once and for all!

Mrs V Waterman