Hospitality group speaks out against smoking ban

The Hospitality Industry Alliance says the proof of its argument against a smoking ban in bars and restaurants will be seen in border counties.

Representatives of the Alliance who have travelled to New York to examine the economic effects of similar restrictions say business is booming in neighbouring New Jersey where there's no ban.

Spokesman Finbar Murphy, who is currently in New York to see the ban in operation, said this evening: "All the evidence points to many smokers travelling to Northern Ireland for a meal or a pint."