MARIAN NEARY BURKE,
Madam, - I don't understand what all the fuss is about. I don't even like the word "ban". Could we not just talk about "smoke-free" pubs?
Did airlines lose any passengers when smoking was "banned" on flights? Did theatres, cinemas, or hair salons lose any customers when it was "banned" there? I don't think so.
I say, "Well done Minister." As with smoky coal and plastic bags, we're cleaning up our act, and not before time. People will get used to it. - Yours, etc.,
MARIAN NEARY BURKE, Swords, Co Dublin.
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Madam, - "Does the Government want to turn our pubs into the sterile environment that is an American pub?" asks Aoife Holahan (February 17th).
Just last weekend, I was in an American pub. And there were smokers all around me. That remark reflects a common perception in Ireland that if smoking is banned in pubs in California, then obviously the other 49 states are the same. America is a big place. No big sweeping statements please. - Yours, etc.,
D. O'FLYNN, Wells Bridge, New York, USA.