The City of Red Deer is going too far with the new smoking by-laws. These fines and bans go far beyond a reasonable public policy. I am a non-smokier and I ask for reasonable actions that respect the rights of smokers.

Some of the biggest victims of modern discrimination are smokers. In a free society, people should be free to make their own life decisions.

When the smoking issue first arose, smoking areas were established and this was reasonable. Areas for smokers should be reestablished and clearly marked as well as no-smoking areas.

Your column has performed a good public service by informing the public of the toughening up of the current smoking by-law and fines that are to be imposed.

Donna Thomas

Red Deer