Madam - Despite all the evidence to the contrary, vintners' representatives and the Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance constantly suggest to politicians and the public that ventilation systems are the answer to the health effects of passive smoke.
Since they do not appear to be willing to listen to the health lobby on this issue, perhaps they might take on board what the tobacco industry says.
Philip Morris, the biggest tobacco company in the world, puts it nicely on its website: "While now shown to address the health effects of passive smoke, ventilation can help improve the air quality of an establishment by reducing the sight and smell of smoke and by controlling smoke drift."
Politicans, barristers and insurance companies please take note. - Yours, etc.,
Dr FENTON HOWELL,
ASH Ireland,
Northumberland Road,
Dublin 4.