It clearly shows that even overwhelming medical and scientific evidence on the need for health protection can be easily traded off in response to pressure from vested interests. It is a prime example of how our shared system of governance fails to represent the interests of the community.

We can now look forward to a series of spurious rationalisations in which the poisoning of the staff in mahjong parlours and nightclubs and other venues is trivialised. Both the government and the legislature will be counting on there being relatively little public interest in the welfare of the workforce in these margins of the industry. However, this decision is much more serious than simply discounting the harm to workers in these particular catering and entertainment facilities. It is a massive Trojan horse, from the belly of which will pour a legion of demands for exemptions.

Given that these venues are indefinable, it is likely that the government will be unable to contain, in a legal sense, any enforceable boundaries for smoke-free regulations.

We can expect to hear more general expressions of support for smoke-free policies from those who have consistently opposed them. However, once this seriously compromised legislation is in place they, in partnership with the tobacco industry, will ensure that it is unworkable.

In this area of public health there is only one thing worse than no legislation and that is bad legislation. The opposition to the bill knows this better than anyone.

Anthony J. Hedley, Tobacco Control Research and Policy Unit, Department of Community Medicine, University of Hong Kong

I have been looking forward to the smoking ban for a long time. The government should not give any exemptions to nightclubs. Most of my friends (smokers included) would prefer smoke-free clubbing. If smokers really need to smoke, they can always do so outside.

I recently went to an event where the venue did not allow any smoking. It was fantastic. I went home without my hair and clothes smelling like an ashtray. My eyes were not bloodshot the next morning from the smoke and I had a much better time at the event.

I am definitely in favour of the total ban. Why should non-smokers have to suffer to enjoy a night out?

Name and address supplied

Smoking should absolutely be banned in mahjong parlours and nightclubs. The economic rights of a few nightclub and mahjong parlour owners (i.e. only those few who are against the smoking ban) do not weigh up against the right to personal health and wellbeing of the far more numerous staff members who have to work in circumstances which may seriously affect them.

Moreover, with what we know about the dangers of smoking, one could easily argue that the government would be negligent if it were to decide not to make the ban universal.

There is no reason to make a distinction between different kinds of establishments. By doing so we would be treating the employees of those where smoking would not be banned as second-class citizens.

Although I would prefer there be no smoking in nightclubs, I respect the right of others to smoke when I currently visit a nightclub, but I can choose whether I want to go there or not. Staff at these places do not have this choice and the government has a responsibility to protect their health.

Christof Van der Stichele

Q Should more parks and beaches be open to dogs?

Scientists are finally acknowledging what pet lovers have always known - that the company of animals is good for our health and well-being.

Studies have shown that the simple stroking of a pet, such as a dog or cat, can actually lower our heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Even watching fish in an aquarium can be soothing.

Dogs, cats, fish, birds and other pets have long been incredible companions for their owners and may reduce anxiety, loneliness and even depression through providing a focus point.

Pets can also provide a source of physical contact and comfort and , in the case of man's best friend, improve health.

Walking a dog, for example, is more interesting - and safer - than taking a solo stroll.

For older people, pets can provide a lifeline: not only do they provide the comfort of unconditional love in lonely times, the presence as a pet provides routine and structure to the day.

These animals give so much to us, we should spare some space for their needs and wellbeing.

Name and address supplied

On other matters...

The Urban Renewal Authority's Hanoi Road Redevelopment is now many storeys high and it is evident that this project is not the same as that shown on the pamphlet circulated to local residents some years ago.

The project was shown then as a slender tower in the shape of an American football and placed on a low-rise podium that included a public sitting-out area.

It is evident that somewhere along the line the plans have been modified as this design has morphed into a massive building that runs the entire length of Hanoi Road.

The gross floor area appears to be much greater than that originally envisaged, so public areas will be less.

In view of the recent revelation on the part of the Audit Commission that the developer of Grand Promenade paid a paltry $6 million land premium to build more than 1,000 extra apartments, could the Director of Lands assure the public that in the case of the Hanoi Road Redevelopment the land premium reflects the actual floor area and not that of the original model.

It appears to be far too easy for developers to modify, to their advantage, projects that have been presented to the public, especially those that include public facilities.

We all remember how long it took Cheung Kong to build the park behind the Cheung Kong Centre, and when it finally did it was of ornamental value only.

Karen Greene, Tsim Sha Tsui

I really have to say this about the accident this week at Sheung Shui station. A mainland mother was killed, and her son injured, on Tuesday while they were trying to cross the rail tracks to the opposite platform.

Just how many people cross the rail tracks to get to the other side? It is a pretty crazy thing to do. Why couldn't they have used the stairs to get to the other side of the track? You don't have to exit again.

Why didn't they check the platform they were on to see where the trains were going?

Jasper Yip, Fanling

Despite numerous notices around Mid-Levels, and elsewhere, warning of the penalties for allowing your dog to foul the footpath, it is still a fairly common sight to see dog mess lying there.

I believe one of the reasons for this is the bloody-mindedness of some dog owners who seem to believe that because their dog is well-trained and good-natured, they don't need to be on the leash.

Is it time for the authorities to place notices reminding dog owners that their dogs are required, by law and subject to penalty, to be on a leash when out in a public thoroughfare.

Name and address supplied