Sidewalks and smokers

Vincent Aquilina (Pavements Not For Pedestrians, September 9) expresses some very valid concerns for pedestrians. Many businesses in high-traffic areas are depriving the public of being able to walk safely.

Gerry Cowie's letter (Smoking Bad For Tourism) on the same page brings out the main reason for this. Mr Cowie is against smoking but the sidewalks are being taken over for the benefit of smokers who are in a minority.

Pedestrians and non-smokers are being forced to either walk through the stench of smokers or/and risk being at the mercy of the ever-so-careful drivers.

I believe the non-smoking law clearly states that the owner of an establishment must provide a smoke-free access to clients. Can anyone go inside a coffee shop or a restaurant that has outside seating without inhaling all the second-hand smoke?

Connie Dittrich (Has The Smoking Ban Hit Tourism, September 5) and her ilk should take note of page 34 of The Times of September 9.

Once businesses realise that the smoking ban results in better profits we won't need any policing.