Cork publicans back resistance to smoking ban

CORK City and county vintners yesterday decided to support their colleagues in Kerry in not enforcing the proposed smoking ban in pubs, on the basis they could not implement it.

A High Court challenge to the ban, which could tie up legislation for months, is not being pursued at the moment. Chief executive of the VFI Tadhg O'Sullivan described the smoking ban as one of the most worst assaults on the drinks' trade in recent years.

"This ban is unnecessary, unworkable and unenforceable and will cause serious damage to the industry and the economy, and is a smokescreen to cover up the inadequacies of the health system," he said.