I was very surprised to see that in your editorial of June 29, you perpetuated the claim that the proposed further curbs on smoking have the broad support of the local community.

This claim is completely unsubstantiated. I suspect that the consensus is quite different, that although supporting a smoking ban in confined spaces (such as lifts), or places where we have no choice to be (such as our workplaces), most people regard the present restrictions as adequate. Smoking is a habit which, like alcohol consumption or sunbathing, is bad for health, but which has brought pleasure to countless people since time immemorial. The persecution of people who enjoy this activity has gone beyond the bounds of reason.

Non-smokers who object to smokers in bars and restaurants can either move to non-smoking areas, or vote with their feet and frequent other places. The banning of smoking in large, well-ventilated shopping malls is ridiculous.