SIR – I loved the editorial “Pub ruling is a bitter pill to swallow” (October 23), especially the words, “As far as the smoking ban was concerned, hadn’t most of us tired of leaving at closing time with our clothes smelling like a kipper?”

Most of my local’s punters smoked. Since the grossly anti-democratic and tyrannical smoking ban they have, one by one, given up pub-going, indeed it is now a month since I imbibed amber nectar, which probably explains why pubs all across Worcester are shutting, having been deprived of my munificence.

There is a perfectly reasonable solution to the stark financial desperation of our hapless hostelries. One of your correspondents hit the nail the head when he suggested the minute minority of near-fascist anti-smokers should take over smoking shelters for their libation, and allow pubs to cater for their core customers, who smell like kippers. That way pubs can make money, tens of thousands more people can be employed, the exchequer can raise revenue and the minute and rabid anti-smoking fraternity can enjoy air conditioning.

N TAYLOR
Worcester