SIR - Seven new laws are instigated by this Government each day! July 1 will see one of those implemented, whereby if I light-up my pipe within the confines of a pub or members club I will have committed an offence.

There is already a huge burden placed on the NHS and police due to the increase of violent drink-related incidents occurring in our cities and the escalating number of young people being diagnosed with liver damage.

Will further laws be introduced? Perhaps banning advertising and sporting events sponsored by drinks companies, reducing the number of alcohol outlets, or bringing to an end the availability of cheap booze from supermarkets and garages.

With those possibilities, what would it mean for the future of the few remaining traditional public houses - the few that survived the loss of potentially 10 million customers who had previously chosen to have a smoke along with their drink.

Following the inevitable tax revenue drop due to the fall in the sales of tobacco and alcohol, the Chancellor would be looking for other ways of recouping the losses. With the motorist already bled dry, is it conceivable the present illegal un-taxed sale of hard drugs would be legalised and taxed?

MR R L SMITH, Worcester.