The imposition of the ban on public houses is one matter: their casual clientele may wish to be protected from the random effects of second-hand smoke. The ban on private members\' clubs is an even more disturbing step. The essence of such clubs is that they belong to a discrete group of private individuals who have always had the right to regulate their membership and to set its conditions. The state is now in effect taking away that right. Worst of all, though, is the precedent this sets for yet greater state control of our lives. What riles me is that as part of this government\'s manifesto the deal was a partial ban. They lied. Secondly that we, the British public have laid down, rolled over and allowed our liberty to be taken away.