Publicans propose 50% alternative to blanket smoking ban

Owner-managed pubs with five employees or less should be exempt from the Government's proposed no-smoking ban, the Licensed Vintners' Association (LVA) and the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) claimed today.

The lobby groups which represent almost 7,000 publicans in Ireland made the proposal at the launch of what it views as alternatives to a blanket no-smoking ban.

Under the banner of "Customer Choice and Common Sense" a number of initiatives and a timeframe for their implementation have been put forward by the lobby groups.

They recommend that just 50% of a pub's premises be designated non-smoking and that a strict ban on smoking would apply at the bar counter. They further recommend a two-year timeframe in which pub owners will commit to installing ventilation equipment.

The equipment, which would be open to independent verification of ventilation standards, would affect a minimum of 12 air changes per hour.

They also want a review and assessment of the proposed ban by November 2005 and an undertaking from the Government to undertake what it termed "authoritative research" before preceding with a January 2004 deadline.

Speaking at the initiative launch in Dublin today, Tadg O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of VFI said : "The LVA and VFI members are profoundly concerned about the detrimental commercial impact this ban will have on their businesses in an economic environment where rising costs and slowing sales rule the day.

"There has been a lack of proper consultation prior to the proposal of a blanket ban and the alternatives have not been explored in a meaningful and objective manner. We're calling on the Minister today to consider our proposals carefully, to engage in dialogue with us on these proposals and to deliver a solution proportionate to the problem," he added.

Donall O'Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA stated : "These proposals represent a balanced set of proposals which can and will be delivered by LVA and VFI members in a reasonable timeframe.

"Their effect will go a long way towards meeting the Government's objectives for improved working conditions while offering customers choice," he concluded.