Madam, - I recently made one of my rare appearances in a local pub - my intolerance of confined, smoke-filled areas precludes more frequent visits.
As I sat sipping my pint in a tobacco-created miasma, I become aware of several young couples and their numerous children occupying the booth next to mine.
My reaction was one of bewilderment tinged with melancholy as I witnessed the adults puffing away on their fags while having an animated conversation detailing the horrific health hazards that would befall their local community should a proposed waste incinerator be constructed in the vicinity. - Yours, etc.,
EDWARD D. RAFFERTY, Millpark, Castlebridge, Co Wexford.
Madam, - The publicans are vocal in their claims that the planned smoking ban will cause them to lose business. At the same time, excessive drinking is the subject of public debate. The Minister for Justice is so concerned he is introducing regulations to reduce access to drink.
If the publicans are right about the smoking ban driving away customers, then this will improve the health of citizens in two ways. It will reduce environmental tobacco smoke and it will lower the consumption of alcohol (particularly among smokers). The publicans' claims provide more, not less, reason to go ahead with the ban. - Yours, etc.,
BARRY REDMOND, Rathdown Villas, Dublin 6W.
Madam, - So, Kerry publicans propose to defy the law, forcing employees and customers alike to continue to inhale carcinogenic air pollution. The answer is obvious: drinkers may in turn defy the publicans by ordering drinks and refusing to pay for them if the atmosphere is - in defiance of the law - smoky. - Yours, etc.,
STEVE MacDONOGH, Lispole, Co Kerry.
Madam, - You report that Kerry publicans who are members of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland propose, because of a lack of consultation, to ignore incoming no smoking laws.
Is there any chance that they might consult their customers before so doing? - Yours, etc.,
Cllr TONY TAAFFE, City Hall, Dublin.