I fully agree with Mr Tonio Privitelli about the need for smoke-free restaurants. I have a three-month old son and both my husband and I are non-smokers. Pediatricians strongly recommend that children should not be exposed to smoke. For us, dining out has become a real ordeal.

Any restaurant we go to is full of smoking patrons. It is of no use for a restaurant to boast about a non-smoking area if this means a couple of tables set aside in some remote corner. It is very unfair for non-smokers, especially if they have young children, not to find a decent restaurant where to dine or a cafeteria where to relax. Restaurant owners should be made aware that many people are keeping away from their establishments because they do not offer a smoke-free environment.

A word of praise goes to The Chinese Story at the Bay Street Complex. This restaurant is totally smoke-free. I appeal to your readers to share any information about 100% smoke-free outlets. We sincerely hope the health authorities start doing something. I am sure many people, especially pregnant women and parents, would appreciate a regulation against smoking in restaurants, cafeterias and catering establishments. (Rosalba Ebejer Catania)

I can confirm the above and while complimenting The Chinese Story (tel: 2372-2800; Website: www.chinesestory.com.mt; e-mail:order@ chinesstory.com.mt) owner/manager, Ms Ive, on her totally smoke-free policy, I encourage other restaurant owners/managers with the same policy to write to me with full details so that we can share the information in our column.