49% support total ban on smoking in pubs

Nearly half of Irish people support a total ban on smoking in pubs, according to a new survey by Irishhealth.com.

49% said that they supported a total ban on smoking in pubs.

Another 33% said that they preferred "No Smoking" areas to be provided.

A further 13% supported no smoking while food was being served. Only 5% of people did not want any curbs on smoking in pubs.

Fergal Bowers of Irishhealth.com says attitudes to smoking in this country are hardening now as they have done for some time in the United States.

However, he added that there is likely to be a strong resistance to any moves towards a total ban on smoking in pubs given the social aspect of pub life in Ireland.