No rationale for designating smoking corners

I WRITE in response to the article, “Ministry: Eateries nationwide to be smoke-free from next year,” dated Oct 12, and “Smoking corners at eateries being considered”, dated Oct 15.

I applaud our Health Ministry’s move to ban smoking – it is high time this ruling was implemented. At last, non-smokers can see light at the end of the tunnel.

I would also like to bring to your attention the fact that smokers are also puffing away on badminton courts and swimming pool areas. It is ironic that smokers indulge in their habit in such places without any consideration for others. And when this was highlighted, the caretakers of such places turned a deaf ear.

What is the rationale for designating “smoking corners’’ in nonair conditioned restaurants?

This equates to a half-hearted implementation, and such a plan will bring us back to square one. It doesn’t matter if there’s one smok- er or 10 smokers in the corner, the whole restaurant will smell of cigarette smoke.

Non-smokers are always at the losing end. What is the logic behind a smoke-free environment when there’s the smell of smoke lingering in the area?

Please rethink this strategy. It is mind-boggling why smokers cannot light up in “plenty of areas” where they can smoke before and after a meal.

Non-smokers have tolerated sec- ondhand smoke for far too long. Please have a heart for us.

People of all walks of life patronise eateries, so restaurant owners need not worry about their business being affected.

Furthermore, this “no smoking” ban may be a baby step towards a healthier lifestyle for smokers.

Please give the public a hotline for enforcement to be effective.