How much I agree with Jack Merry, jovial landlord of the Tap & Spile and Ackhorne pubs (November 17) when he says: "Treat drinkers like adults and let them choose what's best for them."

How sensible, how civilised.

I have smoked since I was 17 - not something I'm particularly proud of. I do respect the wishes of those who prefer not to smoke, and I wouldn't want to contaminate innocent bystanders with my filthy habit. But I do like to have a pint and a smoke to relax at night after work, and want to continue to do so.

I've just come back from a holiday in Italy, where they're so laid back about the smoking issue, it makes our nanny state form of government seem ludicrous.

We don't want to be "driven back to the days when pubs were drinking dens", as leaders of CAMRA say.

A meal, a drink and a smoke - that's all I ask.

I'm sure that a smoking and non-smoking area is quite sufficient, and I trust that Yorkshire folk will be far more vociferous about this matter than the rest of the country.

David Bell,

Hull Road,

York.

Updated: 10:21 Tuesday, November 23, 2004