I would like to clear up some misconceptions regarding the Smoke-Free City Charter, which have been expressed on these pages recently.

Firstly, this is an entirely voluntary scheme for organisations across the city to sign up to, so they can get advice and support to become smoke-free, which can be a costly and lengthy process.

Secondly, while central government is planning statutory smoke-free public and work places as part of its new public health legislation, this will not apply to businesses serving food until late-2007 and it is expected bars and clubs not serving food will be exempt from the full restrictions.

Thirdly, any future legislation will be introduced nationwide, so fears of Brighton and Hove losing its competitive edge to other areas in the UK are unfounded.

In fact, as we are providing unique support to enable organisations across the city to manage the change-over when the new legislation arrives, we are giving our city an advantage.

This approach has been developed by local partnerships of public, private and voluntary bodies and reflects our commitment to promote a healthy city.

Last year's Big Smoke debate found 78 per cent of people wanted a smoke-free city - this is a clear mandate for us to help reduce exposure to tobacco smoke, which kills about 500 people in Brighton and Hove every year.

We are making an important step in tackling the serious public health impact of tobacco smoke and I congratulate the partners who have supported the charter, and establishments, such as JD Wetherspoons and the Spice of Goa restaurant, which have joined the growing list of smoke-free places in the city.

-Councillor Sue John, Deputy Leader, Brighton and Hove City Council