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.