LETTERs

Time to fight for smoking rights A number of pubs across the UK are now allowing smokers to light up again. The licensees have realised how much...

Time to fight for smoking rights

A number of pubs across the UK are now allowing smokers to light up again.

The licensees have realised how much money they are losing - and knowing they have nothing to lose, they are allowing smoking again. If they bring in the ban, they go bust - so what the heck.

If we were given what the Labour Party promised us in its last manifesto, everything would be OK now, but the politicians have lied to us. Now they'll have to face the problems of a full judicial review in the High Court in London. So stand up for your rights, and find a smoking pub. If everyone did this, the law would be changed within days.

Tony Blows

The Dog Inn,

Hereford

Small pubs struggle most

I read with utter dismay your article published the week prior to the start of the smoking ban (MA: Smoke Ban - the final countdown, 28 June 2007.)

I run one of those small, traditional, local pubs - and according to your article, I am facing Armageddon.

The exterior of my pub leads straight on to the pavement - a right of way - and I am awaiting planning permission for an awning to protect my loyal customers from the elements.

What I understood from your article was that you have no support or sympathy for pubs such as mine - even though we came into existence long before trendy wine bars appeared.

Yes, I am suffering - not just through the ban, but as

a result of our not-so-wonderful summer weather The future is looking very bleak for me right now. My pubco, Punch Taverns, appears to be doing its bit for us - but out of time and very slowly. Come on - let's show some support for local pubs.

My pub is probably the smallest in Scarborough, North Yorkshire - but it just might be the one that is suffering the most.

Sue Slater

Sent via email from princeofwales.inn@hotmail.co.uk

Ed writes: Not true, Sue. Read my Opinion of 28 June again and you'll see we sympathise massively with your plight. But the law now says no smoking in pubs so we have to get on with adapting to a smokeless future. I hope your loyal customers stick with you, and that you get many more who never came before.

Vote of thanks to Ringwood

I am responding to your website article about Marston's buying Ringwood brewery for £19.2m

(www.morningadvertiser.co.uk 12 July 2007)

I've had five excellent years here. Today's news has come as a shock, but was not totally unexpected. I think we're all feeling apprehensive, but we plan to go on doing what we do best.I'm confident Marston's is the best major to "adopt" us, and enable Ringwood to grow and expand.

Thanks are due to Nigel, and especially David Welsh, for the whole Ringwood experience. It really feels like the end of an era.

We're a strong family and will continue to brew, sell, distribute and support some of the best ale in the south. But, as we all know, things will never be quite the same again.

Steven Goodchild

Posted on www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/forum

l City & Business - p10

l Protz - p9

Government failed to prepare

Re: Flood-hit pubs face struggle to recover (MA, 12 July 2007).

It's a blooming shame for licensees, householders and all those who run other commercial premises.

This Government is guilty of neglecting the statutory rights of its subjects to live a safe and peaceful life.

It has failed to invest in flood defences over the decade during which they have been in power.

The Government was warned by all the experts about what to expect, but it's cutting back on investment, while encouraging building on flood plains.

All of them down at New Labour HQ are clearly barking mad.

Graham Allman