Not smoke ban that's hit the pub

LETTER - I do not believe the smoking ban has stopped people using public houses. Many landlords have gone to great efforts to create an outdoor smoking area, in fact most people I have spoken to agree that the ban is correctly in place.

I believe people cannot afford to go to the local because of rising prices. I have not been out for a while as I am more worried about filling my car with the over-the-top petrol/diesel prices and putting decent food on the table.

How can you justify paying up to £3 for a pint and £3.30 for a glass of wine when you can buy a bottle of wine for less than £3 from the supermarkets. This isn't a price war between pub and supermarket, it's the worrying economy.

I wish I could go to the pub more often as you meet some great people of all trades who help each other as a community member should.

OK, you can have parties at each other's houses but it isn't the same.

My main concern is for those who buy from the supermarkets and are unaware of the measures they are pouring out to drink for themselves. How will it affect the nation's health?

Lorraine Fleming, Hadley