Anti-smoking lobby hits out at ‘death rooms’ in pubs

ANTI-smoking lobby group ASH Ireland yesterday urged action against the spread of so-called smoking rooms in bars.

The group branded them as "death rooms" and said they had been constructed and developed as a means of flouting the law.

Ash chairman, Professor Luke Clancy, said: "Our smoking legislation is hugely successful an example to the rest of the world.

"However, in recent months we have been receiving complaints about the proliferation of virtually sealed smoking roomsadjacent to some pubs.

"Staff are serving in these rooms in which customers are smoking.

"These rooms are clearly in breach of the legislation and it is imperative that our health authorities take appropriate action," he urged.

"This practice must not be allowed to continue as it is not just in breach of the legislation but workers' health is also being put at risk," said Prof Clancy.

Prof Clancy said the development of "smoking areas" had become big business in recent months.

In its end of year statement, ASH Ireland said it was "bitterly disappointed" Finance Minister Brian Cowen failed to increase the price of tobacco in the last two Budgets.

"This is a populist move by the Minister, which is not in the best interests of the national health," according to ASH.

"Price increase on tobacco products is recognised internationally as the most effective means of assisting smokers to quit and encouraging young people not to experiment with tobacco."