I refer to the letter by Andrew Borg-Cardona of the Tobacco Industry Advisory Council and his claim that the anti-smoking lobby is using statistics and information that cannot be proven. One does not need any study to prove that.

Fact - If I am in the company of someone who is smoking my hair smells of smoke, my eyes hurt and I have a sore throat. None of these symptoms did I have before someone that I am with starts to smoke.

Fact - Having been in a tobacco smoke environment inevitably leads me to suffer an asthma attack.

Fact - Last Saturday I went out for dinner in a restaurant without the accompanying smell and fumes from cigarette smoke. I enjoyed the meal far more, suffered no smoke-related discomfort or side-effects and, furthermore, the restaurant was full.

I do not need any study, university degree in science or medicine to know, without any doubt, that passive smoking is bad for one.

Non-smokers have been subjected to other people's smoke for far too long and thankfully this has now stopped. Also, as smoking is now illegal in public places, why should a non-smoker be put in the position of having to ask a smoker to stop smoking? It is inevitable that if a person is arrogant enough to smoke in a non-smoking place he is not going to react well to being asked to stop, however politely asked. Smokers have ignored the health risks to themselves and others and the inconvenience and unpleasant side-effects of their smoking for years and this new law is the only way that a significant minority will take notice.

Well done to the government and health authorities for implementing this law and shame on Dr Borg-Cardona and the GRTU for trying to cloud the issue. Surely, the law is the law and therefore as such it is not up for debate nor is it optional.