Ban not solely behind pubs' woes

Do these issues not factor heavily in the closure of some pubs too?

It seems all to easy for some people to place the blame squarely on the smoking ban. You quote figures highlighting the fact that tobacco sales have not reduced significantly since the ban came into force and state that little difference has been made by the ban.

Well I beg to differ. The health benefits of the smoking ban are phenomenal, and life saving in many circumstances.

These benefits may not be fully realised for many years to come, but if the smoking ban has encouraged people to give up smoking then this can only be a positive thing.

Think of how many lives will be saved by the reduction in smoking-related diseases. As to parents staying home and smoking in front of their children, this is not the fault of the ban.

The ban does not remove the person's right to smoke, what it does do is try to protect the health of non-smokers. Those parents who smoke in front of their children choose to do so, and must take full responsibility for their actions.

They cannot claim ignorance. They know full well that smoking is harmful to health. The government is spot on with the smoking ban. We have to protect the right of the non-smoker.

I am a non-smoker and I don't care if people smoke as long as they don't do it around me or my child.

Julie Phillips

Horsehay