Resistance to ban goes up in a puff of smoke
Environmental officers working for the Mid Western Health Board have reported minimal resistance in the region to the smoking ban.
A breakdown of figures reveals compliance levels of 98% in Limerick, 97% in Clare and 92% in north Tipperary.
However, Limerick publican David Hickey said the ban had created new health and fire hazards in the home.
“When people could have a cigarette in a bar, there was no risk of a fire as bars are well controlled regarding fire safety.
“What the ban has done is transfer passive smoking from pubs to homes and has also increased the risk of fire being caused by cigarettes,” said Mr Hickey, who is a member of the Vintners Federation of Ireland national executive.
Figures released by the health board show that a total of 1,850 inspections were carried out in Limerick to the end of November, 1,252 in Clare and 823 in north Tipperary.
Three prosecutions are pending in both Limerick and north Tipperary and two in Clare. A total of 92 complaints relating to non-compliance were received in Limerick, 91 in Clare and 121 in north Tipperary.
Senior environmental health officer James Cahill said: “The initial focus of our efforts was to raise awareness and understanding and to build compliance with the new law.
“The priority afforded to the hospitality sector in our inspections was an acknowledgement that the new legislation presented a particular challenge for this sector.”
The board’s environmental health staff will not be relaxing their vigilance during the Christmas period and will continue to monitor workplaces and hospitality areas.
“We are anxious to ensure that the initial success of the smoking ban is consolidated and we are requesting the continued support of employers and the general public over the Christmas period,” Mr Cahill added.
All of the pending prosecutions are in respect of licensed premises.
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