My brood often take me to their local for a meal, and I've always considered it a disgrace that paying customers could have a cigarette with their drink.

I was astonished to hear that they are still allowed to partake of their pernicious vice in the open air!

Is there nowhere safe for my pub-going toddlers to enjoy their meal in peace and safety?

Even in the soon-to-be smoke -free interior of my children's local, some inconsiderates actually taint the air with the smell of beer and spirits, as my children are trying to enjoy their burger and chips. I would also like to take the banning one step further than Purfleet.

Surely in this safety-conscious age there can be no place for dartboards where small children are playing?

With a little imagination, dart boards could easily be converted to "Pin the Tail on The Donkey" boards.

And as for Dominos! I wish these inconsiderate wretches could have seen the anguish I suffered after my youngest swallowed a double six in mistake for a square of Bournville Plain!

Mr Martin Sayers, St Augustines Way, South Wootton

The editor says: Nice to get humour on this Letters page occasionally.

Purfleet says: Bah, humbug!