Galway pub backs down in smoking ban row

The Galway pub at the centre of the smoking row is to reinforce the ban.

Just after 4.30pm, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern confirmed the move which follows written correspondence from the Attorney General - the Government's legal adviser.

The Taoiseach spoke to reporters on his way into Dublin Castle and said the decision had been made following an exchange of correspondence between the Attorney General and solicitors representing the pub in Galway.

The Taoiseach said that this was effectively the end of the matter, but he made it clear that the Government will not tolerate publicans who attempt to flout the law.