I HAVE never smoked, and prefer to drink in a smoke-free atmosphere. Banning smoking in bars and pubs has, therefore, some personal attraction.

There is also the effect of passive smoking on bar staff to consider. We have, however, a tradition in this country of tolerance for minority interests, and it should not be beyond our ability to come up with a compromise.

Prohibiting smoking in any room containing a bar, while continuing to allow smoking in other rooms, would protect the health of bar staff and allow the non-smoking majority to drink in a smoke-free atmosphere, yet still allow smokers to indulge their habit in suitable premises.

Is this, rather than a complete ban, the way forward?

Geoffrey Breakell

Hatfield Road

Bolton