Ireland: Concern as countdown begins for the big stubbing-out
Dublin is set to become the latest city to ban smoking in its pubs and clubs, with new strict rules to be introduced at the end of the year.
As reported by News From Abroad, New York recently banned smoking in public bars and restaurants – to very mixed reactions. And as from midnight on 31 January, some 7,000 venues in Dublin’s fair city will become smoke-free zones – much to the disgust of many.
One bar owner told The Observer: “I just can’t see it working. Smokers are likely to go home, get a carry out and smoke and drink in their house. The only winners here will be the off-licences. If someone refuses to stop smoking, who is going to risk throwing them out?”
In New York, a security guard was recently stabbed to death after trying to enforce the no-smoking law. One bar-goer, also a heavy smoker, told the newspaper: “In theory I agree with the ban. I want to give up smoking and it isn’t fair that staff have to breath in other people’s smoke. But in practice it can’t work.”
Bar owners and restaurateurs in Dublin will no doubt keep a nervous eye on their till receipts in the early part of next year.
