Date set for Irish smoking ban

Irish authorities have announced that smoking is to be banned in all workplaces – including bars, restaurants and pubs – as from 29 March. Within six months of the ban, venues will have to remove all ashtrays and put up no-smoking signs, with anyone who is caught lighting up facing a fine of up to £2,000. Ireland’s health minister Michael Martin said in a statement: “This is a positive, progressive health and safety measure that will bestow positive benefits to workers and the general public. The bottom line is that you do not have to be a smoker to get cancer from cigarette smoking; you can get it if you were never a smoker.” However, unsurprisingly, the proposal has gone down less than well with many. One pub owner in Dublin’s busy Temple Bar area told the Daily Telegraph: “The anti-smoking law goes against the grain of what the Irish pub stands for. The Irish do not like being told what to do and I have no doubt that it will put tourists off.” The newspaper also says that many opponents of the ban, particularly in County Kerry, say they will refuse to co-operate. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad