The Stage

Fight the ban

Published Tuesday 14 March 2006 at 12:25

I have read with interest your article on the smoking ban and the impact that it will have on performers. They have every right to be concerned given the inevitable downturn in trade in traditional community pubs and clubs, which are the life-blood of semi-professional and amateur artistes. There will be little money to pay essential bills let alone pay for a performer when audiences will be reduced.

It is really rather sad that Mrs Castle is used and abused by the anti-smoking lobby. I am sure your readers will be aware that millions of performers have endured similar conditions in years gone by and yet is only ever Roy Castle who is cited. Perhaps that in essence says it all, he was the unfortunate one in a million who may have been harmed by his working environment. If your readers really want to join to fight to stop this ban then could you please publish the links below. Thousands of people in two short weeks have already started the fight. The second link is for the Big Debate, a site set up by licensees for licensees but which will welcome assistance with its own petition. The freedom site already has 14,000 signatures. We are fighting back.

www.freedom2choose.org.uk

www.cheetham.cc/index.php

Robert Feal-Martinez

Carpenters Arms Motel

Email supplied