Madam, - Could this be the solution to the argument over smoking in pubs? Bars could opt to become non-smoking, or to remain smoking. The former would keep their drinks at current prices while the latter would have a premium, payable to the Government, levied on all drinks. Thus the customer would have to pay considerably more for the whole package of "drinking and smoking". This extra government income could then be directed to our health services, possibly to pay for treatment for those whose health suffers as a result of smoking, active or passive.
Bar-owners would neither win nor lose, and no-one's civil liberties would be infringed. - Yours, etc.,
PAULETTE MALONE,
Old Armagh Road,
Monaghan.
Madam, - I note wild predictions of a drop in alcohol sales when Mr Martin's smoking ban goes ahead. Could the Minister unknowingly have found an overall solution to two major problems - excessive alcohol consumption and excessive smoking? - Yours, etc.,
VALERIE DUNCAN,
Shandon Park,
Monkstown,
Co Dublin.
Madam, - One solution would be to deregulate the industry and let market forces determine the issue. - Yours, etc.,
GERRY GERAGHTY,
Hillside,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.