The Galway publican who is openly defying the workplace smoking ban has been given until 4pm today to implement the ban or face court action.

The Galway pub blatantly flouting the smoking ban was given an ultimatum tonight as Health Minister Micheál Martin vowed to crack down on any breaches of the new law.

The anti-smoking group ASH Ireland has called on Health Minister Micheál Martin to take action against a Galway publican who is openly defying the workplace smoking ban.

A group representing publicans refused today to back a landlord’s decision to openly flout the smoking ban.

HEALTH officers will today raid a Galway pub which has become the first to openly flout the smoking ban introduced in March.