London: The Big Smoke debate

Christine Phillips
Politics Show London

New York, Norway and the Netherlands are all smoke free. Could London go the same way?

Your emails on the debate

I've never smoked, but I like the occasional drink and I really hate being in a smoky atmosphere. I would go to pubs much more often if there was clean air there.
I visit California often and it is really nice to be able to have a drink without the dreadful atmosphere.
Howard Winter, St Albans

My Grandmother died of lung cancer last week after a life time of smoking. Seeing the pain that she went through in her last year of life was almost unbearable, and I would urge smokers to think of their health and the health of others.
Rebecca Evans, Bermondsey

As an occasional social smoker I think banning smoking in public is a great idea. Why should non-smokers have to breath in our smoke. As for going after the cigarette companies, there is no way the government would do that as they receive about 40% profit from cigies made/sold in the UK.
Emma, Middlesex

This is a further case of big brother watching over us and, is the last straw. We cannot accept these laws being passed by people who are clearly out of touch. There are already no smoking areas in pubs and restraints. My family travel abroad on a regular basis. In comparison to our friends abroad our lifestyle is fast becoming unbearable.
Jim in London

I think that this proposal to totally ban smoking in public places such as pubs and bars is totally and utterly ridiculous. Do we absolutely have to do everything the Americans do? I am an ex-smoker - I gave up because I chose to, not because some government wagged its finger at me and told me I was naughty.
Marcia Dupriez, London

They tried to ban smoking in public places in South Africa. It did not work and a lot of companies went out of business so now you can smoke in public places in smoking areas it is a stupid law they are trying to pass it will not work and bars will loose at least half of their trade.
Norman, Camden

Have your say

---