AMERICA'S rigid no smoking in public places laws are getting closer with the Republic of Ireland introducing the ban this week.

If they are instituted here, as I have no doubt they eventually will be, it could be the final nail in the coffin for our pubs.

Smoking and drinking go together like chips and fish, like salt and pepper.

A survey in three Leigh and Atherton pubs at the weekend revealed that 75 per cent of the drinking fraternity in there were smokers and if they were not allowed to enjoy both habits together then they would not frequently the hostelries, so many could be lost.

The majority of non-smokers don't enjoy pubs anyway, and those who do are obviously used to and can cope with the atmosphere. If they didn't like it they wouldn't be there in the first place.

Obviously smoking should be prohibited where people are eating, but in pubs at least let those who want to kill themselves be allowed to enjoy doing so in peace.

Scientists this week revealed that smoking is more enjoyable with an alcoholic drink. So what's new?

How many of us could have told them that 50 years ago?

Perhaps in 30 years time they'll come up with the fact that it's easier for smokers to give up the weed if they stop drinking as well.