[Harley's Dad]

I went down to our local pub this evening for a pint of Adnams (real ale) and to do the crossword - something of a habit unless I'm out elsewhere.

As with almost every evening for the past several weeks it was peeing with rain. I got there to find a couple of people I know standing under a distinctly inadequate sort of tent outside the back door having a last gasper, while being dripped on, before they finally went in for a drink. Oh,the pathetic sordidness!

As a reformed smoker myself I am pretty strongly against smoking in principle, because of the health risks. But I'm even more strongly against yet more Government legislation telling people how they may or may not run their own lives.

I suppose that at least the ban will help smokers to realise that it really is a dangerous and anti-social habit - though just how many will be convinced enough to actually quit is another matter ...

So, my advice to those of you who are still addicted is to take an umbrella with you wherever you go for the rest of our English summer. It looks as though you'll need it!

Tony.