Letter: Smoky pubs

Sir: The concern that a ban on smoking in pubs will result in a decrease in trade (letter, 19 January) does not seem reconcilable with the continued enthusiastic participation in the nation's favourite pastime in Australia, where pub smoking is not allowed.

There may be many like myself who steer clear of pubs at present in order to avoid breathing carcinogens and having our clothes stink for days afterwards. Since non-smokers are in the majority, it is quite conceivable that pub trade would increase.

Dr R TAYLOR

Kingston,

West Sussex