Publicans welcome spot fines for smoking

Publicans have welcomed Government plans to impose fines on anyone caught smoking in pubs when the ban comes into effect next year.

There are plans for tobacco officers to patrol pubs and clubs and fine people they catch smoking.

The Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance says it was unfair to expect publicans to bear the responsibility for other people's actions.

But spokesman Finbar Murphy said today: “There's not enough being done to make sure the ban is enforced.”