Publicans 'devastated by smoking ban'

Pubs and hotels near the border have said they are already feeling the effects of the smoking ban.

The Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance has said experience from the States shows these publicans will be devastated by the ban.

They are asking for smoking areas to be allowed in these pubs as is done in venues near the state boundaries of Boston and New York.

Spokesman Finbar Murphy said the damage is already being done.