New proposal to ban smoking in outdoor food areas will 'denormalise' cigarette use

A proposal to ban smoking in outdoor areas where food is served will ‘denormalise’ the use of cigarettes, former health minister, James Reilly, has said.

Yesterday, the Health Minister, Simon Harris, brought the proposal to cabinet. It was first tabled as a private members’ motion by Fine Gael senators, including Dr Reilly.

“No conversation can begin about tobacco without remembering 6,000 men and women of this country die every year, prematurely, because of this product,” Dr Reilly told Sean O’Rourke, on RTÉ Radio 1.