Hotels group calls for patience with smoking ban

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today called on the public to show patience and tolerance during the implementation of the workplace smoking ban, which commences on Monday.

The Federation believes that the ban is set to bring about major cultural change in Irish social habits and is appealing to the public to be understanding and patient while hotels and guesthouses endeavour to fully implement the new regulations.

The IHF said: "The ban will apply to all areas of hotels and guesthouses other than guest bedrooms, which have not been designated as non-smoking rooms."

Richard Bourke, President, IHF, commented "Obviously there will be teething problems associated with the implementation of the smoking ban but I would urge the Irish public to bear with us.

"It is important that our customers understand that we are implementing a law, which will have an impact on the social habits of many people, so obviously there is bound to be some level of uncertainty at the outset.

"However, the IHF is fully committed to implementing the ban and abiding by the law despite the potential difficulties it may present."