Let publicans choose

SURELY the sensible solution to the smoking problem is to allow publicans choose what rule they want to introduce in their own business.

They could opt to make their pub smoke free or they could make the lounge smoke free and the bar a smoking zone.

That way the non-smokers could choose where they want to meet and socialise. As a smoker myself I would be happy to pick a smoke-free pub at lunchtime and then go to one of my locals in the evening for a smoke.

It seems a little silly for the State to decide that, because it disapproves of cigarettes, it is going to make life difficult for smokers.

As alcohol is a bigger burden on the health service, causing both mental and physical damage, perhaps the pubs should all be closed down.

John Mallon,

5, Shamrock Grove,

Mayfield,

Cork.