Madam, - Bewley's demise was not caused by the smoking ban but by exorbitant prices and unfriendly staff, not to mention under-par food and beverage. Rose-tinting by virtue of nostalgia is one thing, but Bewley's - like most other Irish institutions parading under the banner of tradition - simply charged too much for the privilege of being part of some imagined culture.
Second - we are not talking "small amounts of ambient smoke" but eight hours a day often in six-day week jobs.
This is why the smoking ban exists and why it can only be a good thing.
When will people realise that our personal rights are constantly being infringed?
Why do we insist on only fighting for the right to damage ourselves (if we choose!) - Yours, etc.,
DOMINIC PALMER,
Woodbrook,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Madam, - I recall that in 1975 when Bewley's was in one of its frequent financial meltdowns, a politician - Garret FitzGerald, I think - proposed it should be taken into State ownership.
This idea was roundly and rightly attacked by the Doheny and Nesbitt school of economics as An Bord Bun.
It's sad to see Bewley's go but the fact is that it hadn't served a decent cup of coffee in years. - Yours, etc.,
JIM DUNNE,
Margaret Place,
Dublin 4.
Madam, - "Dublin can be heaven in Bewley's at eleven" and now we must live with the news of its closure. What will our next visit to Dublin be like without a cup of tea and a sticky bun in this unique atmosphere?
Bewley's belongs to Dublin. We can't imagine the city without it. What an utter shame. - Yours, etc.,
G. DREIACK,
Drususalle,
41460 Neuss,
Germany.