Sample Letters to Complain

This page is available in Word - to save it to hard drive, right click the links below and click "save as"

Sample letter to pub / restaurant which does not restrict smoking

Dear [manager's name]

I am writing to ask you to consider introducing a no-smoking policy in [name of pub/restaurant]. Although I live / work nearby, I am not a regular customer because I find your premises far too smoky.

I do enjoy….food / beer / wine etc. but do not like having my meal / drink spoiled by being forced to breathe in other people's tobacco smoke.

Secondhand smoking is not just an inconvenience; it's a major health hazard. For example, many people with asthma simply cannot risk going to pubs because tobacco smoke can trigger an asthma attack.

In recognition of the health risks posed by secondhand smoking, the government is urging the pub and restaurant trade to provide smoke-free venues. The National Clean Air Award provides advice and support to any employer wishing to implement a policy and achieve this prestigious award.

Smoke-free venues are very popular and I'm sure I'm not alone in avoiding places that do not make provision for non-smokers.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,

Visit the National Clean Air Award website www.cleanairaward.org.uk or telephone the team on 0871 220 5491

Dear

I am writing to express disappointment and dissatisfaction at having an otherwise enjoyable meal at your restaurant spoiled by the presence of tobacco smoke.

Secondhand smoking is not just a nuisance: it can cause serious health problems, particularly for people with respiratory or heart problems. [Insert personal details if appropriate, e.g. if you have asthma, sensitivity to tobacco smoke, etc]. Furthermore, tobacco smoke spoils the taste of food and the smoke drifting from neighbouring tables ruined my meal.

In order to tackle this problem, may I suggest that you introduce a no-smoking policy. [If you can identify a successful smoke free restaurant add details here].

I am sure that you would find this to be a popular move. Seventy-four percent of British people do not smoke and surveys have consistently shown public support for smoking restrictions in all public places including restaurants.

In recognition of the health risks posed by secondhand smoking, the government is urging the hospitality trade to provide smoke-free venues. The National Clean Air Award provides advice and support to any employer wishing to implement a policy and apply for this prestigious award.

Sadly, if the problem of secondhand smoke is not dealt with in your restaurant I will be forced to take my custom elsewhere.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,

Visit the National Clean Air Award website www.cleanairaward.org.uk or telephone the team on 0871 220 5491

Address of Newspaper

Dear Editor,

I am tired of having a nice relaxing meal in a restaurant ruined by other people's smoke.

Yes people have a right to smoke but non-smokers (who are the vast majority) have a right to not have their health and entertainment ruined by secondhand smoke.

Surely all restaurants should consider introducing a no-smoking policy, in consideration of the health and comfort of their customers and staff and the benefits to their business.

The experience of the hospitality trade in New York, where smoking in all public places is prevented by law, has demonstrated a considerable increase in income as the non-smoking majority who have more money to spend, because they don't smoke are enjoying dinning out in smoke free comfort.

The National Clean Air Award provides advice and support to any employer wishing to implement a policy and apply for this prestigious award.

Yours sincerely

Name
Address

================================================
Address of Newspaper

Ireland and New York have legislated to ban smoking in public places. Many cities including Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and London are working to encourage employers to introduce no-smoking policies as means of becoming smoke free cities. The National Clean Air Award (www.cleanairaward.org.uk) provides advice and support to any employer wishing to implement a policy and apply for a prestigious award.

Secondhand smoking is a cause of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and a trigger for asthma. It is a serious threat to the health of children and pregnant women. Isn't it time the government acted to protect the majority of the population - the non-smokers from the dangers and discomfort of secondhand smoke.

The experience of New York has shown that legislation to ban smoking in public places is good for business and for the health of staff who have to work in smokey conditions. Secondhand smoking kills people, Mr. Blair - the time to take action is now.

Yours sincerely,
Name
Address