FURTHER to the article and invitation to write to you that appeared in last Friday's edition of the LET regarding smoking or not smoking in public places, it is my considered view that the local authority should seek to amend by-laws to incorporate legislation to ban smoking in all public places.

If owners of businesses, particularly those selling food and drink, do not observe such a ban they should be prosecuted with the full weight of the law.

What gives smokers the right to inflict members of the public with their filthy habit?

I smoked cigarettes, cigars and a pipe for over 40 years but, after being admitted to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with a continuous sore throat and surgery the specialist told me that if I didn't stop smoking it would probably develop into cancer.

I ceased to smoke about 15 years ago and I have been much better in health since.

ROY MARTIN, Kemp Court, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.