IN response to the comments of Mr Burke and Mr Wright (Letters, Dec 16) on smoking, it looks as though I have started a heated debate.

I wrote a few weeks ago about not banning smoking in public completely, but having separate areas for smokers. How silly to suggest "smoking" and "non-smoking" pubs. What do we do about friends who smoke if we are non-smokers?

At least in the same pub with separate areas, smoking and non-smoking friends can still be together for the evening. After all, it only takes five minutes to have a cigarette.

CRAIG HILL,

Walshaw Road, Bury.