March 29 start for ban on smoking

MARCH 29 will this afternoon be announced as the commencement day for the smoking ban in public places, including all the country’s bars and restaurants.

Health Minister Mícheál Martin will make the long-awaited announcement, after receiving the final clearance from the EU Commission yesterday to introduce the regulations.

Mr Martin wants to give a six-week lead-in period to allow employers and owners of pubs, hotels, restaurants and cafes to prepare for banning smoking from all enclosed premises where people work.