Report to assess economic fallout from smoking ban

A GROUP opposed to the introduction of the smoking ban is commissioning an independent report to assess the economic fallout from the move.

The umbrella group of pubs, hotel and restaurant owners recently returned from a fact-finding mission in New York, where a similar smoking ban was introduced three months ago. It will announce the name of the Irish-based consultancy carrying out the study within 48-hours.

“The economic study will take a sober look at the fallout of this decision in terms of job losses. It will look at places such as New York and Norway to provide comparisons but will also have a specific reference to the Irish situation and industry,” a spokesperson for the Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance (IHIA) said yesterday.

The IHIA is planning its campaign to fight the ban or secure a compromise deal with Health Minister Micheál Martin.

“An economic impact assessment report will form the basis of real and viable compromise proposals that will allow the Minister to meet his public health objectives, which the industry is also in favour of, but also maintain jobs in the sector,” the spokesperson added.

Dates for a series of nationwide public briefings on the issue by the IHIA are expected to be announced within the next 10 days. The group is confident it can create a groundswell of support, particularly among like-minded groups, when people hear how businesses have been hit in New York due to the smoking ban.

“Revenues in bars in New York are down 30%, alcohol sales are down 20% and staff tips are down 50% since the ban was introduced. If there is a similar fallout here there will be an immediate impact on jobs,” warned IHIA spokesman Finbar Murphy.

“We went to New York and saw for ourselves the impact this ban had. We would encourage those who are in favour of the ban, or those still undecided, to go to New York, talk to people on the ground and see for themselves,” the Cork hotelier said.

The IHIA is also gearing up for a radio and newspaper advertising campaign that will begin in the autumn.

Health Minister Micheál Martin is determined to push through the smoking ban even though he has admitted it will be difficult to implement.

The Minister is also planning a series of his own road shows to promote the benefits of the smoking ban.

“The rights of those within the hospitality industry are every bit as important as the rights of workers in other locations, such as an office, shop or factory floor. I cannot and will not discriminate against individuals because of the setting in which they work. Working in a smoke-filled environment increases the risk of lung cancer by up to 30%,” said the Minister.