He has mixed views on the debate about placing curbs on smoking in public places.

The music teacher from Glasgow wants to relax with friends in a social setting with a cigarette and a pint.

But he does not want to upset or damage the health of his non-smoking friends and fellow pub-goers.

I would like one day to say I've joined the bulk of my pals and am a reformed addict.

I have tried giving up, the first serious attempt was when I was 24. I suffered from asthma as a child and although the condition was never that bad I did require a small amount of medication.

When I was in my early 20s a doctor, who was a family friend, told me to quit cigarettes or face serious health problems by the time I was 30.

I took those words seriously, for a while. I gave up for four months, but I rejoined the addicts' bandwagon.

'Time not right'

My most recent attempt at kicking the habit was on No Smoking Day earlier this year.

I lasted two months and am now back to my 10-a-day habit.

As a smoker you can always come up with a reason why the time isn't right to give up.

I have mixed views on the subject of a ban on smoking.

I'm a true believer in choice and in the democracy in which we live.

A total ban would have a huge impact on the way we socialise.

That said, I do believe smokers have had free reign in the social setting for a very long time.

Personal battle

I accept some level of curbs is needed. Yes, introduce more no-smoking areas in restaurants, pubs and clubs, but do not drive smokers onto the streets and create needless trouble which the police will have to handle.

Let's see compromise, don't demonise the smoker - I don't want my non-smoking friends and others in a social atmosphere to be damaged by my habit.

However, I am a responsible smoker who wants to fit in and who doesn't want to be ostracised.

My smoking habit poses a big psychological battle which is one I have to beat. It is a personal fight and not one which will be influenced by a ban on smoking in public places.

I will stop smoking someday, but I recognise that my circumstances will have to change first and I will need to move out of the comfort zone which has allowed me to hold onto cigarettes for more than a decade.