I am the lowest of the low in smokers' eyes. Yes, I'm a "reformed" smoker of some 20 years standing, having continuously smoked for more than 30 years before that.

I was not forced into quitting.

Nobody told me I had to stop smoking.

I could afford the expense of continuing. I stopped of my own volition because the person I wished to be with could not be near smoke for health reasons. It was either her or smoking.

However, I would defend the right of anyone in our country to choose to do anything they wish, as long as it is legal and either benefits others or has no effect on them.

But I can't believe what Neil Rafferty of Forest is advocating (The Argus, April 27). He seems to be trying to appease the nonsmoking lobby by saying it's OK for non-smokers to also take unauthorised breaks from work just because it makes them feel better.

Are we really to believe Mr Rafferty is advocating we all steal time from our employers?

I will welcome July 1 with open arms, as the end of 20 years of misery for me and possibly a lifetime for those who've never smoked.

Regardless of any perceived rights or wrongs in the actual act of smoking, smokers need to realise one major problem - you stink.

Tobacco smoke gets into the very fabric of your clothes. Unless you take a bath and wash your clothes thoroughly after every smoking session, it's still there.

I can't go into most pubs or bars at present, because smokers have left their foul scent behind.

When I say things like this, people come back at me with comments such as, "But traffic fumes and litter are just as bad". Yes they are, but they're a different subject and there's no need to add to them.

  • Alan K Baker, Fairfield Close, Shoreham