THE reason why smoking should be banned in public places - surely it must be undemocratic that smoking should be allowed in restaurants and public houses, where people in general like to enjoy their leisure time.

This means also non-smokers who are restricted in their freedom to visit such places are induced to stay away. People who wish to smoke should consider the well being of others, who deserve to share the same public amenities.

If smokers were banned from the same, they would truly retaliate with utmost rigour.

With figures estimating today that 250 lives are lost daily, then the bottom line proves that smokers unwittingly are assisting non-smokers to shorten their life expectancy. Priorities have to be established for all concerned.

Thomas Owen

address supplied