Mr Dillon and Mr Crowder have rather overestimated Brighton and Hove City Council's influence on the banning of smoking in public places (Letters, July 28).
The council has no powers to impose a city-wide smoking ban even if it wanted to.
Unlike the recently approved Designated Public Places Order, which deals with drink-related, antisocial behaviour on the streets, there are no equivalent powers for banning smoking.
What we can do is support Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust, which suggested the smoking ban, in its efforts to persuade people to kick the habit and to encourage businesses to have no-smoking areas for their customers.
In common with most major employers, we believe staff should have access to a smoke-free environment.
Smoking is not allowed in council offices but smokers can go outside for a short break.
To improve the way we accommodate smokers and non-smokers, we are currently reviewing our policy.
-Coun Gill Mitchell, environment committee, Brighton and Hove City Council
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