YEP Letters: June 2

A pub landlord in Meanwood is promising his beer garden will be a breath of fresh air for families in north Leeds after making it a smoke-free zone. Scott Westlake has decided to take the controversial step of stubbing out smoking at the Myrtle Tavern’s beer garden in what is believed to be a first for Leeds. Smokers at the Parkside Road boozer will no longer be allowed to light up while supping a drink in the sun as part of his bid to make the pub more family-friendly. It comes 10 years after smoking was made illegal inside pubs and other public buildings across England. Here’s how YEP readers have reacted to the news on social media...

Jackie Griffiths

He’ll lose business of smokers but probably gain business from non-smokers.

As a non-smoker, given the option of being sat near smokers or not then I’ll opt not. Smokers can still smoke in the designated area or there are plenty of pubs that allow smoking in the beer garden.

Smokers have a right to smoke, non smokers have a right to sit outside without having to breathe smoke.

Seems a good idea to have a mix that is best each.

Jane Tomlin

As my mum used to say, pubs aren’t for children. I do however take mine to the pub, but that’s my choice, and I think family pubs are a good thing and no smoking areas are a good idea. However, adults go out, they drink and smoke and swear. Pubs are for adults, if parents don’t like their kids being around drunk people, swearing and smoking, don’t take them to the pub.

Robin Perkins

Interesting - what about an area outside for smokers and an area for non smokers - keep them separate like they used to do in some pubs before the ban - seemed to work for the majority.

Dave Hope

Good on him, a brave landlord.

Andrew Kelly

Not sure about this one, even though I’m a non-smoker I think the smokers should be allowed to enjoy a beer and a cig outside.

Pauline Anne-Marie Gilmore

There is still a designated smoking area, just not on the grassed area where the children play. Good on you Scott. Thinking of everyone.

Allen Bowers

Ridiculous. As an ex-smoker, I think this such a stupid idea. Why not just ban smokers from the pub? I’d drink elsewhere.

Paul Brooksbank

Good lad. Sick of getting a lung full of that rubbish if I want to sit outside a pub. It’s like going through the mist on Stars in their Eyes entering a pub from smokers hanging around the doors. Smoking should be banned in all public places. Well done.

Carol Barrow