MRS Adams believes that the majority of her customers want the freedom to choose for themselves on whether or not to smoke in pubs.

It is a myth that everyone has freedom of choice but I'm sure it is true that everyone would like the freedom of choice.

The smokers certainly can choose but non-smokers are not so privileged.

Mrs Adams runs a super pub and we love it but unfortunately it is very rare that we can wander into town and call in for a drink without coming out smelling like kippers.

I end up with sore eyes and throat. Every article of clothing reeks of foul-smelling smoke and those that cannot easily be washed have to be hung outside for days.

I feel so sorry for the staff who have to be exposed to the fumes.

The answer in the short term must be to introduce non-smoking rooms.

Let's re-introduce the smoke room which used to be a feature in many public houses.

The non-smokers are very much discriminated against in pubs. Most restaurants, fortunately, do have non-smoking areas but it would be lovely to be able to have a drink and a chat with friends in a pub in a smoke-free zone.

Surely we don't need the law to make us have some consideration for non-smokers. Isn't it just common sense and good grace? It could even bring in more customers.

Come on, publicans, please try to accommodate all your customers, not just those who want the world to smell like a smokehouse.

Brenda Batty,

Heworth Hall Drive,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 10:04 Friday, November 05, 2004