Originally pubs were told to expect a partial ban on smoking in 2008.

Now the Government has moved the goal-posts yet again and we're faced with a total ban next year.

I understand the health issue - but shouldn't we be given as much time to put our plans into place as the Government has taken to make up its mind?

I have the option - at great expense and inconvenience - of reinforcing a flat-roof overlooking the pub's back yard and installing a spiral staircase to create an area where people can both drink and smoke.

But we are a Grade II listed building and the health and safety people and the conservationists never see eye to eye.

I dread to think how long it would take to get any plans through.

Of course, the smokers could simply sit at the tables we already have outside. But, at the moment, everyone enjoys eating here in the summer, so why should the fresh air be given over to only the smokers?

I'm also irate that the prisons will be exempt from the ban in case there's a riot. Wardens are trained and paid to deal with offenders. But licensees will be treated like criminals and fined if they can't stop their customers from enjoying the still legal pastime of smoking.

Pubs want to do their best for all their customers. But we exist on small enough profit margins as it is. Now the Government has left us to pick up the pieces of its ill-thought out policy, it should allow us adequate time to look at all the implications of our limited options.

Anita Adams,

The Golden Slipper,

20, Goodramgate,

York.

Updated: 09:38 Monday, March 13, 2006