Health department insists gardaí will play ‘minor’ role

THE Department of Health insisted last night the gardaí will play only a minor role enforcing the smoking ban.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has reacted angrily to suggestions gardaí will be used to help enforce the law that comes into force on Monday.

A spokesperson for Health Minister Micheál Martin said gardaí will only be called if bar customers become difficult and commit a public order offence.