IHF questions smoke ban's negative effects

The Irish Heart Foundation has questioned the accuracy of surveys highlighting the negative economic consequences of banning smoking in pubs and restaurants.

The foundation said research supported by the tobacco industry in eight countries was based on anecdotal evidence rather than hard information such as sales figures and employment data.

The Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance, a group of publicans, hoteliers and others in the service industry set up to oppose the introduction of a smoking ban in Irish workplaces, has claimed that any such ban would lead to 65,000 jobs losses and a 30% decline in business.

Health Minister Micheál Martin is planning to introduce the ban on January 1.