SIR - How ironic that N Taylor's letter about the imminent smoking ban (Letters, May 3) should appear on the same night as the announcement of the re-opening of one of Upton-upon-Severn's many riverside pubs as a non-smoking establishment.

Many pubs have already banned smoking, a move which apparently many smokers as well as non-smokers have applauded.

Rather than a boycott on July 1, I suspect that many people who have avoided the poisonous atmosphere previously present in many pubs (especially the Swan) will flock out to enjoy a drink without being asphyxiated.

The ban is long overdue, and many pub staff, including members of my own family, will be only too pleased to see it.

I do, however, agree with his point about the hypocrisy of smoking being allowed in the House of Commons bars, but I don't think we should allow ourselves to be distracted by this anomaly. If MPs wish to smoke themselves to death, then it's their funeral.

Simon Gardner, Birtsmorton.