IN response to your article about the Coach House Hotel's smoking ban (Evening Press, February 4), we have been completely smoke free in our rooms, bar and restaurant for eight years.

We have been awarded Gold standard in the National Clean Air Award, supported by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. This is despite the fact that Richard enjoys a cigar, but his wife has never let him smoke indoors.

We have provided a covered area outside with a patio heater that allows people somewhere comfortable to sit. The response from customers has been positive.

Richard and Jennifer Warren,

Warrens,

Scarcroft Road, York.

Updated: 11:21 Monday, February 07, 2005