DAVE Penn's letter is all too typical of the attitude of smokers who think it is fine to inflict their disgusting habit on others ('Leave smokers be', May 6).

I hate smoky pubs, and I see no reason why smokers should be allowed to smoke in public places. If they want to smoke in their own homes, that's up to them. But why should others have to suffer the disgusting smell and the possible health risks? It is time all pubs were made non-smoking.

As for his assertion that if "people want a smoke-free atmosphere then they should frequent the already large number of non-smoking pubs and not force their views on the minority who enjoy a smoke", firstly perhaps he could tell us where all these non-smoking pubs are? I suspect you can count the number in York and Ryedale combined on the fingers of one hand.

Secondly, could it not be argued that it is, in fact, the smokers who are forcing their views (and their smoke) on others?

David Bryant,

Yarburgh Way,

York.

Updated: 08:32 Monday, May 09, 2005