Martin to maintain iron fist on smoking ban

HEALTH MINISTER Micheál Martin will go on the offensive this week to urge the public to ensure the smoking ban is enforced and insist offenders will be punished for ignoring the clampdown.

Ahead of the workplace smoking ban this day next week, officials for Mr Martin insisted the prohibition will be policed properly, with tobacco inspectors on duty outside office hours.

Despite the failure thus far of their campaign to prevent its introduction, publicans' representatives are still adamant the smoking ban won't work and put the blame on the minister.

Arriving back from his St Patrick's Day duties in the USA, Mr Martin will be keen to ensure there are no eleventh hour rethinks and to emphasise the importance of the substantial public support for the ban.

In another timely intervention, the Office of Tobacco Control is launching a report tomorrow on the possible economic effects of the smoke-free workplace legislation on the hospitality sector.

The market research by TNS MRBI and analysis by independent economists, Moore McDowell and Joe Durkan from UCD, will counter the predictions by pub and restaurant owners' groups of widespread job losses in the sector.

Anticipating a settling-in period where the regulations will doubtless be breached, Mr Martin's spokesperson last night dismissed suggestions the ban won't be adequately policed by the health board inspectors.

"Arrangements will be put in place for out-of-hours visits by environmental health officers (EHO).

"The minister has always said the initial weeks will be about education, information and compliance building," the spokesperson said.

Aside from policing the ban, EHO's will also provide help and assistance to owners on how to enforce the ban. If certain premises are continually flouting the law the EHO's will be taking a far greater interest, the spokesperson said.

Pointing out there is significant backing for the ban from the public, including among smokers, the spokes- person said the primary responsibility for the health and safety of staff rests with the owner-occupier or manager of a premises.

"The vast majority of people don't smoke and there is huge support for this initiative. It's a health and safety measure," the spokesperson said.