ASH calls for action against publican

The anti-smoking group ASH Ireland has called on Health Minister Micheál Martin to take action against a Galway publican who is openly defying the workplace smoking ban.

Ciaran Levanzin, the owner of Fibber Magee’s on Eyre Square, said he had decided to allow smoking in a designated area of his bar because he had experienced a major drop in business since the ban was introduced.

Michael O’Shea of ASH Ireland said today that action must be taken to force Mr Levanzin to comply with the law.

“We want the Minister for Health and the relevant authorities to make sure that the appropriate action

is taken,” he said.

“If the legislation is being ignored and flouted so publicly, I think action must be taken.”