Smokers back ban as VFI chiefs under fire

THE majority of smokers want publicans to enforce next January’s ban on smoking. According to a survey by the Office of Tobacco Control, 81% of the public, including 61% of smokers, believe publicans should obey the new regulation.

The findings were published as an internal row erupted within the Vintners Federation of Ireland which threatens to derail their objection to the ban.

There are expected to be several demands today for the resignation of VFI chief executive Tadg O’Sullivan and chairman Joe Browne when the 60-member national committee meets in Dublin.

Many VFI members are furious the two chose to go on a junket to the Rugby World Cup in Australia as the guests of Heineken at the height of the organisation’s battle against the ban.

In a statement issued on behalf of both men last night, they defended their decision to go and said the 11-day holiday had been planned over four months ago.

“Following consultation with the federation’s four vice presidents last week they took the decision to proceed with the trip as arranged. Every working person is entitled to holiday leave and the VFI respects that entitlement.

"Both the president and the chief executive are in daily contact with the federation while they are abroad and all action plans relating to issues of concern to VFI members, in particular the proposed smoking ban, are continuing as normal.”

However, VFI Cork chairman Neil Murphy, who has been asked to table a motion of no confidence in both men, said: “Publicans are bitter, not because the two boys got a free trip, but because Tadg is a paid executive and he is away while we face the biggest battle we have faced for several years.”

If a no-confidence motion is carried, it could derail what has been a concerted effort to get the Government to reach a compromise on the issue.

It could also affect the organisation’s ability to make a considered response to the OTC survey.

The study, conducted by TNS mrbi, shows that support for compliance with the ban is high even among smokers. It is highest in Munster.

The survey was conducted in mid-October, among a representative sample of 1,000 people, aged 15 and upwards.

Meanwhile, Londoners are being asked if they favour a ban on smoking in public houses, restaurants, clubs and shopping centres, in a referendum organised by the city’s Lord Mayor Ken Livingstone.

An Independent Health Commission has been appointed by Mr Livingstone to conduct a survey but it stresses they are not concerned about people smoking as such but where it is done.