Letter: Smoke signals

IT IS interesting that the Dutch have relaxed their ban on smoking in public places in small bars - apparently in an effort to prevent these bars from closing down. Is there a case for this to be tried here?

There can be little doubt that in Scotland the ban has made a major contribution to the closure of some types of pub.

While there is no doubt smoking is very bad for you, some are happy to continue. So why not let those who must smoke do it in those pubs that choose to allow smoking - and if you don't like it you just don't go to such pubs or work in them. It would give many small pubs a new lease of life and reduce the worst of the passive smoking in some homes.

Ron Masson

Fountainhall Road

Edinburgh