'Cold turkey' smoking ban unrealistic, says ex-minister

A ban on smoking in Irish pubs and restaurants due to be brought in from January is unrealistic and should be reviewed, a former government minister claimed today.

Health minister Micheál Martin was urged to compromise his decision and bring in the ban over a two-year period.

“People are beginning to realise how serious this is for the public who take a smoke and take a drink,” TD Noel Davern said.

“The reality didn’t sink in until the last few months how serious this is going to be.

“It is just cold turkey from January 1 which is far too severe, too sharp, too quick and too much at one time.”

The former junior agriculture minister said that even non-smokers were shocked at the severity of the ban.

He said that he could not see how smokers over the age of 50 would suddenly change their habits because of the new rule.

“This has been going on since Walter Raleigh brought back tobacco here 500 years ago,” he said.

Mr Davern said a motion would be tabled at a parliamentary meeting when the Dáil resumes in October.

It will ask the minister to agree to a compromise and bring in the ban over a two-year period.

Special ventilation systems could also be fitted into bars and smoking areas introduced.

Mr Davern said he had spoken to the minister on the subject but that he was “not for listening”.

He added: “I accept that smoking isn’t healthy, it isn’t good for you.

“But the reality is that nobody has tried to enforce this on me in 43 years I am smoking.

“Suddenly they are telling me you can’t do this from January 1 on.

“Now that is unrealistic and it is too severe.”

Smokers will be forbidden from lighting up in public places from January 2004.

The move has met outrage from many publicans who claim it is unworkable. Some have said they may introduce outdoor seating areas in a bid to get around the ban.

And there have been warnings that violent scenes could erupt when pub doormen try to enforce the rule.

When a similar ban was introduced in New York a bouncer was shot dead after a confrontation with a smoker.

Last month a group representing hotels, guest houses, restaurants and pubs in Ireland announced that it was beginning a campaign to overturn the ban.

They warned that there would be severe consequences for the economy.