Give publicans and smokers a choice

FAIR play to Fibber Magees. Perhaps this is the start of Ireland’s own battle against prohibition, although in this case, smoking tobacco isn’t illegal.

As a matter of fact, the Government welcomes tobacco companies to sell their product in every nook and cranny in the country. Seems hypocritical, doesn’t it?

When smokers visit friends’ or relatives’ houses, sometimes they are allowed to smoke inside.

Other times they are advised the host would prefer that they smoke outside. Either way, it is always the call of the host. I don’t see why a publican can’t have the same host authority. By designating pubs as smoker-friendly, or not, smoking and non-smoking owners and customers have options. Any other approach discriminates against one group or the other.

While tobacco remains a legal, consumable product, there is no fairer approach. By the way, I smoke, but I’m not allowed to do so in my house or car.

My wife is the hostess in our house.

Tom O’Leary

21 Fair Green

Dromore West

Co Sligo