15 years of the smoking ban - ‘None of us dreamed it would ever happen’

In 2004, Ireland went further than any other country and banned smoking in the workplace. Publicans led the outrage, but ultimately it was seen as a success. Now, however, there are more challenges — and Ireland is lagging, reports Caroline O’Doherty.

Fifteen years ago this week Ireland became a world leader overnight when the first workplace smoking ban was introduced.