Govt urged to include waiver in smoking ban

The Health Minister is being asked to include a hardship waiver as part of the smoking ban legislation.

It would allow smoking in pubs where business has been badly hit by the new law.

A similar scheme is being proposed in New York where Mayor Michael Bloomberg outlawed smoking in public places.

The Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance, which represents pubs and restaurants, wants Minister Micheál Martin to take note of what is happening in the US.