Pub to close if smoking ban introduced
Glenn McLoughlin of the White House in Limerick said his pub will be the first to close unless a compromise is found.
He outlined the stark reality facing the business in an ad in a local newspaper.
It read: “With reference to the proposed blanket no-smoking ban issued by the Government, we wish to state that without an immediate compromise by Minister Micheál Martin such as a smoking facility for our customers, this historical premises will be left with no option except to close the doors on January 1, 2004.”
The White House, on O’Connell Street, is an integral part of Limerick’s colourful history and has traded on the same premises since it first opened in 1812.
Last night, Mr McLoughlin said the jobs of the pub’s 15 staff were now under threat.
“In almost 200 years, the pub has never had to close down. Through all the troubled times and various things that went on, this pub has always been open. This is the biggest problem the pub has ever faced.
“We did our own survey over the weekend and nearly 90% of our customers smoke. While passive smoking is harmful, we should have a choice on installing a smoking section.
“We will shut our doors for the last time on New Year’s Day because of Micheál Martin’s unwillingness to speak to publicans on the issue. Apart from the total banning of drink, this is the worst thing that could ever have happened to us.
“I am dead serious over this and the White House will close on January 1 if the proposed smoking ban goes ahead,” he said. Mr McLoughlin said a solution must be found, but warned time was running out.
“There is no way in the world you can put people out on O’Connell Street to smoke in January or February with our weather.
“Everybody is waiting for somebody to do something on this. Time is running short and we will call closing time for the final time in the White House if this ban comes into effect,” he said.
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