In answer to the letter "Stop the pub extensions when the no smoking ban comes" on March 22.

I would like to point out to Jill Whitehead, Chair of Erskine Village and Benhill Community Association, that to my knowledge there is not a smoking ban now or in the near future.

What the new law states is that there will be no smoking in any enclosed or substantially enclosed premises where members of the public, employees or visitors attend.

Substantially enclosed is defined as a structure with a ceiling or roof and openings in the walls that are less than half the perimeter of the walls. This is called the 50 per cent rule.

So to sum up, smoking is not illegal. Only in enclosed spaces will there be a smoke-free policy - there is nothing in the new law to stop all the smokers from the Butterchurn Pub walking up and down outside Jill Whitehead's house, my house or any other house smoking as many cigarettes as they like.

I am not a smoker nor have I been for 14 years and I do not like passive smoking, but I will defend the right of anybody who wishes to smoke outside a pub or club under a purpose-built awning as part of their human rights.

E G UNDERWOOD Carshalton