The closure of clubs and pubs has been happening for many years now, well before the smoking ban was introduced.

Maybe it has something to do with the change in opening hours. Years ago they only opened from 11pm to 3pm, and 6pm to 10.30pm, so the majority of people went out at the same time.

Nowadays, people's going-out habits are staggered, and perhaps less people are using the venues. I myself would probably be home before 7pm now if I was to go to a pub to socialise on an afternoon, whereas in the 1970s I wouldn't go out until the pubs opened at 7pm (or 6pm on Saturday).

Another reason the pubs could be closing is because most people can't afford to go out drinking because by the time they have paid their ridiculous mortgage for the month, they have very little cash left.

A lot of people seem to blame the smoking ban without even thinking about any other problems that could be to blame. Maybe this letter might make people think otherwise.

After all, many younger people will benefit from this filthy habit being banned.

J Lambert,
Felling.