Madam, - The arguments presented by your three correspondents of July 26th in reply to my letter of July 24th fail to distinguish adequately between the three salient points in relation to pub smoking: Firstly, the dangers of first-hand smoke, secondly, the general "irritant" cost of second- hand smoke and thirdly, the more serious health dangers of second- hand smoke.
In relation to the first, we should be mature enough to allow adults to decide whether they smoke or not, while taking care to ensure they are fully informed of the dangers of so doing by insisting, for example, on health warnings on packets.
As for the "irritant" cost of second-hand smoke, we will barely be able to call our society in any way free or liberal if people are banned from any activity that runs the risk of causing irritation to others. What if my bright red jumper irritates you? Do Travellers irritate you? For that matter, do drunken people irritate you? As a non-smoker, I personally will enjoy my nights out in pubs more when a ban is introduced.
However, living in a liberal society with freedom to choose means I have to give a little elbow room for others to express their individual lifestyle choices, even if I am adversely affected. In return, I expect smokers to put up with my bright red jumper.
The point regarding the health impact of second-hand smoke is a far more serious matter.
The charged debate regarding the health impacts of second-hand smoke is not one I am qualified to comment on, though my take on the evidence so far is that second- hand smoke does have a negative, though relatively minor, health impact.
What I can say with more confidence is that the impact on third parties of alcohol consumption is far more serious, probably by a significant order of magnitude.
I have yet to see The Irish Times show the mangled wreckage of a car destroyed because the driver had too many cigarettes taken.
So why don't we ban alcohol? Because we recognise and respect individuals' rights to enjoy a social drink.
We also continually look to rebalance the law regarding the sale of alcohol if we feel it is out of kilter, which it currently is.
However, the corresponding rebalancing of rights in regard to smoking is entirely absent. Why not allow pubs to have smoking rooms? Why not set out regulations regarding the use of air filters? Why not ban smoking for the period when children are allowed on the premises?
I am not arguing that the status quo is necessarily justifiable, merely that the rebalancing of the law should not tread on the free choice of smokers simply because our society has grown to see smoking as a sign of personal weakness. - Yours etc.,
RONNIE O'TOOLE,
Howth Summit,
Co Dublin.
Madam, - Congratulations to Ronnie O'Toole. His detractors are missing the point.
I am a smoker. I am also a vegetarian city dweller (no car) who would like a total ban on flesh- eating in restaurants, pubs and coffee shops as I find the practice of meat-eating revolting and barbaric. I would also like a total ban on cars emitting noxious substances from the roads.
However, as an "evolved" (Brendan Woods, July 26th) person I know that this is extremely intolerant and unreasonable.
I believe that most smokers are tolerant and reasonable individuals. We do not wish to "poison" restaurant/bar workers and fellow diners/imbibers with our smoke but we would like the choice to smoke in segregated, well-ventilated areas - choice, a concept this country appears to have great difficulty with. - Yours etc.,
MARY DORE,
St. Augustine St,
Dublin 8.
Madam, - Last night I spent two hours in a pub, and I can honestly say that it was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. I couldn't see, I couldn't breathe, and by the time I left I felt like getting sick.
When smokers tell me that this ban will mean not just mental discomfort but actual physical pain, I might consider their argument, but until then, I say to the Minister for Health: Forget the nay-sayers, Micheal, your bravery will be seen as one of the greatest actions by any politician in recent years, and it will be reflected in an improvement in healthcare, tourism, and - despite what publicans and vintners up and down the country would have us believe - employment. Keep up the good work. - Yours, etc., -
ALAN FLANAGAN,
Lanesboro,
Co Longford.