SIR – For the past 50 years I have been a tobacco smoker.
For 30 of those I have been smoking a pipe, often at my club, socialising with friends.
That is until July 1, 2007, when this was deemed a health hazard not only to myself but others. It was now illegal if I continued to smoke in their presence.
As I approach retirement it is a time when I need to organise my private pension and those offering an annuity inform me that payments can be enhanced if my health is poor.
This can be further increased if I smoke. I duly notified them that I was, in fact, a pipe smoker.
Despite dire warnings issued by the department of health and ‘Smoking kills’ displayed on tobacco packaging, the annuity provider informed me that pipe smoking was not considered sufficiently hazardous to my health – or presumably to others – to qualify for an enhancement.
Consequently, if possibly the UK’s largest insurance company is in fact correct, can it be explained why, if I want to continue pipe smoking at my club or any other enclosed building, I am required by law to stand outside.
ROBIN SMITH
Worcester
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