Madam, - While the proposed ban on smoking in pubs is obviously desirable, is it acceptable, and is it enforceable? Those in favour of the ban have used the statistic that only 30 per cent of the population are still smoking. This still means almost one in every three people.
The figure varies according to age and sex, but in this context, it is irrelevant because a sizeable section of the population seldom, if ever, go into a pub. The only pertinent figure would result from an in-pub poll of workers and regular customers (those who indulge at least twice a week), in a cross-section of urban and rural premises. This would probably produce a very different figure.
In any case, if 30 per cent still smoke, surely 30 per cent of pubs, or of pub space, should be reserved for them.
Gardaí and/or health inspectors cannot possibly be expected to maintain a continuous countrywide vigil to detect potential law-breakers. Enforcement will therefore depend on a widespread network of informers to report on their neighbours, leading to all sorts of ensuing problems.
Smokers are now an oppressed minority. With other minorities lip service at least is paid to "equal rights". Despite the public good, it is unjust that smokers should be deprived of all rights. - Yours, etc.,
PETER A. GREHAN, Caherdaniel, Co Kerry.
Madam, - Paul Power's comments equating alcohol and smoking are facetious at best (July 16th). The dangers of alcohol are hardly the issue in this case, no matter how real they are.
I can choose whether or not to drink alcohol in a pub, as can other people. Unfortunately, I do not have a similar choice about inhaling somebody else's cigarette smoke. - Yours, etc.,
PATRICK KILMARTIN, Eastwood, Dublin 11.
Madam, - I read with wonder of the Minister for Agriculture's sincere concern that smoke-free pubs would result in "major job losses" (The Irish Times, July 7th).
It would be a tragedy if, due to the expected decrease in the consumption of alcohol, our hospitals had to lay off staff at the weekends. What a horror to think that there could be less overtime for gardái! I can only wonder what other jobs will suffer.
Or perhaps Mr Walsh's real concern is that the mothers of Ireland may not have enough work washing smoky, soiled clothes. Oh, what a pity! Soap manufacturers will have to lay off employees due to the decrease in demand.
Less work for the hospitals, less work for the emergency services, less work for gardaí and the prison service. But worst of all it will result in the redundancy of some mother's laundry service. I, for one, will welcome the redundancy. - Yours, etc.,
VERA HUME, Salthill, Galway.