Publicans face jail for failing to ban smoking

PUBLICANS could be jailed for up to three months for failing to prevent smoking on their premises from next January 1.

Minister for Health Micheál Martin says fines of up to €1,900 are the main penalties to be used to enforce the blanket workplace smoking ban. But the law under which he is introducing the prohibition allows for jail sentences, fines, or both, to be imposed.

The minister said as well as health board environmental health officers and Office of Tobacco Control inspectors carrying out random checks, the public will also be able to report pubs where smoking is taking place.