I WRITE in response to John Cook's letter about the smoking ban (August 13).

I welcome the ban. I don't see why a non-smoker like myself should be subjected to breathe in smoke from cigarettes, which are filled with all sorts of dangerous chemicals, especially when we go out to a pub or club.

I have a smoker friend who admits himself it's nicer to go into a pub now that it is not filled with smoke.

As for Mr Cook's letter where he says he went to a wedding reception and found two thirds of the guests outside smoking, don't blame the ban, blame the guests who would rather be unsociable and smoke rather than spend quality time celebrating with the bride and groom and their happy future together.

JOANNE EDWARDS, Thornhill, Southampton.