Publicans call for outright ban on tobacco sales

PUBLICANS want Health Minister Micheál Martin to ban the sale of tobacco products all over the country, rather than just putting the onus on them to prevent smoking in the workplace.

The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) last night called on Mr Martin to fully commit to his pledge to reduce smoking-related illnesses by putting a blanket ban on the importation and sale of tobacco products.

The plea came as publicans in Waterford City last night joined their colleagues from Wexford, Cork, Kerry and Donegal and Mayo to boycott the ban and face whatever consequences.

Vintners simply can not subscribe to a law whereby they are fined for the misdoings of someone else, said VFI chief executive, Tadhg O’Sullivan.

“If the minister for health is as concerned as he claims to be over the incidences of smoking-related illness, then perhaps it is time to ban the sale of tobacco products altogether, thereby removing the responsibility of enforcement from publicans.

“From the outset we have highlighted the lack of commonsense displayed on this proposal and offered a range of workable alternatives, offering common sense and customer choice, to no avail,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

However, Mr Martin said: “Banning the sale of tobacco is not something which is an issue at this point in time. This whole matter is about health and safety in the workplace and it will be the law next January,” he said.

More than 50 city publicans in Waterford have voted to defy the ban and accept whatever consequences. Local vintners spokesman Michael Fitzgerald said publicans in the city have no other option.

“This ban is not workable. We voted unanimously not to implement it, on the grounds that it is unfair and unworkable. We are prepared to face whatever consequences follow from this, even if it means jail,” he said.

Some 950 vintners from Cork City and county will converge on the Commons Inn tomorrow where a heated meeting is expected.

“Our members are in a very fiery mood on this smoking ban,” said chairman of the Vintners Federation Cork City and County Committee Neil Murphy. “And they will be venting their frustration at this ridiculous piece of legislation, which we cannot implement,” he said.