Bouncers fear smoking ban will increase danger of attacks

BOUNCERS fear a smoking ban due to be introduced next year will increase the dangers of them being attacked.

The issue has been raised by both door security staff and publicans following the fatal stabbing of a bouncer in New York just days after the ban was introduced. Dana Blake died in hospital from stab wounds after ordering two men to put out their cigarettes in a Manhattan club.

Donie O'Callaghan, who has plans to set up a door supervisors' training body ahead of new legislation that will introduce stricter controls over the trade, said the fatal stabbing in the east coast city worried doormen here.