SIR: I refer to E J Mullineux's comments (June 11). In imposing a smoking ban at the new stadium, the directors of BWFC are catering for the majority. What E J Mullineux fails to appreciate is that, while in the open, the risk of being forced into passive smoking is minimised. It is still there. A point I feel that, sub-consciously, he/she is aware of in view of the comment - "I can see that the family stand should be non-smoking". If there is no risk, then this area should be no different. However, I feel that the vast consensus of fair-minded people would agree that, open air or not, if you are seated next to someone who is smoking, this will inevitably lead to inhalation of their smoke.

In response to the statement of never having heard a complaint about smoking, one can only assume this is due to the reply that people are generally given upon complaints about smoking. This usually contains some reference to car emissions or some other unrelated subject, prior to being told "well you can always move". Well, this is not possible when tied to a seat for the duration of the season.

So, E J Mullineux, far from being unreasonable, I feel the ban does not go far enough and should be extended to the entire ground.

Dave Wright

Arlington Street, Bolton

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