Get nicotine off the menu

THE proposal of Health Minister Micheál Martin to ban smoking during mealtimes and allow it at other times in pubs is nonsense.

If smoking is allowed prior to meals the air will be polluted already. If, on the other hand, I order a toasted cheese sandwich and a coffee at night, does this constitute a meal? Will all smoking cease while I eat my sandwich. What constitutes a meal?

There is also the question of democracy. Why should 30% of those who smoke dictate to the 70% of people who do not. Most people who smoke would wish to give it up, but find it most difficult, or impossible, to do so. This is because nicotine is the most addictive of all drugs. Why does the Minister not ban nicotine in the manufacture and sale of products. That would solve the problem, instead of trying to introduce Mickey Mouse legislation.

Micheál Ó Nuallain,

Monkstown,

Co Dublin