I refer to the story Building residents complain of second-hand smoke from neighbours seeping into their apartments (August 13). A home is a private space, where the occupant can live the way he likes.
Unless it’s causing a public nuisance, no one can dictate others on what they should or should not do.
Belinda Wallington, Dubai
I think the authorities should not allow people to smoke even in their homes. That’s because, in most cases, it’s not about individuals but about people living in the vicinity who fall victim to passive smoking.
There are people who knowingly ignore this fact. One example can be found on roads, where you will often come across drivers smoking in their cars with children in it.
A car is a private space but that does not give the driver the right to do whatever he feels like.
The law should apply where common sense fails.
Deep Saranya M, Abu Dhabi
I actually think it is unfair to ban smoking in people’s own homes. However, I wish it would be banned in all public places like bars and restaurants.
Carol Goodey, Dubai
It’s our fundamental right to breathe fresh air and not someone’s second-hand smoke. We had a problem with our air-conditioner recently and the neighbour’s smoke was coming into our house, worsening my husband’s asthma, which landed him in hospital. We are now moving to an independent villa.
Claire Grainger, Dubai
Regarding your editorial Second-hand smoke is a health risk (August 14), I think smoking and non-smoking buildings is a great idea. That way we all win – non-smokers can breathe clean air and smokers are free to smoke to their hearts' content.
Ela Jayne, Abu Dhabi
People should have a choice. There are plenty of smoking/ non-smoking establishments out there. Let’s not just focus on this one issue, There are more hazardous health issues to deal with. Keep it real.
Kim Marsh, UK
Smoking at home is also risky. I’m aware of two residential high-rise buildings that got burnt because of discarded cigarettes.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
Illegal taxis ought to exit
The decision to crack down on illegal taxis is welcome (Abu Dhabi sharing scheme could drive illegal taxis off roads, August 12), as they are risky in many ways.
They also sometimes overcharge, while the drivers often don’t know the routes.
Steven Caeser Mutyaba, Dubai
Illegal taxis will disappear on their own if public transport is improved.
Dina Abou-Zahr, Dubai
There is obviously a void in the marketplace and entrepreneurs will always fill that void.
With proper consideration by the authorities, a licensed and insured solution can be found.
Owen Neale, Iraq
Why Shah Rukh faces scrutiny
I feel sorry for Shah Rukh Khan (Shah Rukh Khan detained at US airport for a third time, August 13). Despite enjoying world-wide fame, he just can't escape the Islamophobia that is sweeping the United States and other parts of the globe.
Ever since he made the film My Name Is Khan, wherein he professes that he is not a terrorist, his real life has been subjected to more scrutiny than usual by America’s security apparatus.
AR Modak, South Africa
Speed buffer is impractical
How can there be a buffer on the maximum speed limit (Mixed reaction to proposal to reduce buffer on UAE speed limit, August 11)? The speed limit is just that, the limit. Stick to it.
Stacey Russell, Abu Dhabi
How can a road-safety “expert” support a blanket 20kph buffer over the speed limit? It’s simply illogical.
Paul Glover, Dubai
