Smoking ban comes into effect

The traditional smoky Irish pub was officially consigned to the past today as a blanket ban on smoking in the workplace came into force.

Cigarettes were stubbed out for the final time in bars, restaurants and offices throughout the country as the controversial ban became law.

Employers, particularly those in the hospitality trade, are bracing themselves for change as anti-smoking groups celebrate the end of a long-fought campaign.

Health Minister Micheál Martin said the law had been introduced in the interest of health and in the interest of Irish people.

He said there was no dispute over the damaging effects of tobacco and second-hand smoke.

Prison cells, hotel rooms, psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes and hospices are exempt from the ban.

The law will be policed by a team of around 450 inspectors, 100 of whom are Dublin-based.

Around 340 environmental health officers will monitor the ban in pubs and restaurants and a complaints hot-line has been set up to ensure the law is properly enforced.

Fines of €3,000 will be issued to anyone caught smoking illegally.

The manager or owner of a workplace is responsible for ensuring compliance with the ban, the final straw for many publicans, who branded such liability unfair.

But despite the controversy, threats of legal action and declarations of defiance, the majority of people are said to support the ban.

A nationwide poll claims almost 60% of Irish smokers say they will be undeterred from visiting pubs.

Anti-smoking group ASH Ireland said the long-awaited law was the best thing to happen to public health for many decades.

Spokeswoman Valerie Coghlan said: “This is a first for Europe but we feel we won’t be on our own for long as other countries follow our lead.

“There are going to be teething problems but 70% of Irish adults are non-smokers and they are the ones who will ensure the ban is enforced.”

The Office for Tobacco Control is also confident there will be a high level of compliance.

“The initial six-week period will just be bedding the thing down. Inspectors will be talking to employers, advising and supporting them,” a spokesman said.

“We don’t think there’ll be too much of a problem. The number of smokers in pubs account for just one quarter of all customers and the majority of the public supports the ban.

“A minority will have an issue with it but hopefully the lack of ashtrays and warning signs will prove a deterrent.”

The launch date was preceded by a major advertising campaign, ‘Smoke-Free at Work’, rolled out across TV, radio and print media, including leaflets detailing the law and penalties.

Specific information produced for the hospitality trade outlined obligations to display smoking ban signs in all pubs and restaurants and have no ashtrays on bars and tables.

Large employers have been looking at alternatives to the traditionally nicotine-stained smoking room. They are not required to provide outdoor smoking areas for staff but any shelter built must be at least 50% open-sided.

Meanwhile, cigarette machine operators have been importing herbal cigarettes in a last-ditch attempt to maintain profits and highlight flaws in the ban.