I am appalled Brighton and Hove City Council plans to take no positive action to outlaw smoking in public places, as recommended by Terry Blair-Stevens of the Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust and Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales (The Argus, July 23).

One of the main difficulties I faced trying to give up smoking in 1972 was, at work or socially, I was constantly confronted by thick clouds of tobacco smoke and people offering me cigarettes.

But in 1975 I had the good fortune to start working in a place which had banned smoking anywhere on its premises or in its vehicles.

I was greatly helped when cinemas, buses and London Underground began to enforce a no smoking policy.

Although I struggled, I eventually quit. I owe a big thank you to the people who, nearly 30 years ago, thought up and implemented policies to ban smoking in some public places.

But there are still too many restaurants, cafes and public places, such as launderettes, where I do not have the legal right to breathe clean air.

I wonder if the council will be thanked in another 30 years for its present policy?

-Eric Dillon, Hove