NOISE nuisance is on the increase in York. And the reason? Part of it, at least, is down to the new smoking ban.

According to a City of York Council report, the ban has forced drinkers to gather outside pubs if they want to smoke, leading to a rise in complaints about noise from those living nearby.

How ironic that an attempt to eradicate one nuisance has made another worse.

People should be able to expect peace and quiet in their own homes. It is vital, therefore, that funding for the council's noise patrols should continue.

Unlike cigarette smoke, however, noise doesn't kill you. So we continue to support the smoking ban. But at the same time, no one should be needlessly persecuted simply for stepping outside to have a cigarette.

There must be some way to resolve this dilemma. Licensees should put their heads together with the local authority to find a sensible solution.