Pub owners: Smoking ban difficult to enforce

Pub owners say it will be difficult to enforce the Health Minister's proposed extension of the smoking ban.

Michael Martin confirmed he wants to prohibit smoking in pubs and restaurants while food is being served.

But Chief Executive of the Vintners Association, Tadhg O'Sullivan, says although pubs want to improve air quality, a proper balance must be struck.

"It will be extremely difficult in some cases and in others it will not.

"I suspect the Minister is sufficiently well-balanced to recognise that a balance has to be struck and we will certainly work with him to strike that."