Anti-tobacco group hails impact of smoking ban

Anti-tobacco campaigners hailed the success of the workplace smoking ban today on its second anniversary.

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman of ASH Ireland, said the measure has been hugely effective because the Irish people have promoted it.

“Its continued success must be guarded carefully and preserved for the Irish workers,” he said.

“The Irish example has been followed in several countries throughout the world, most recently Scotland.

“We look forward to an all-Ireland smoke-free workplace ban next year and a similar ban to follow in England and Wales.

“Nobody now doubts that an EU-wide ban is possible. What a difference a couple of years can make in such an important health issue. Let’s press on with tobacco control.”

Five European countries have adopted smoking bans since Ireland first pioneered the move on March 29, 2004.

Last weekend, Scotland became the latest to stub out the weed, following Italy, Malta, Norway and Sweden.

Anti-smoking groups marking the second anniversary have boasted that the number of smokers in Ireland has plummeted from 31% of the population in 1998 to 23% last year.

The Health Department now plans to outlaw packs of ten cigarettes to target the 20% of 15-18 year-olds who currently smoke.

The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) found that 95% of the 35,043 premises it inspected in 2005 were in compliance with the legislation, in a study published last week.

A total of 38 pubs were prosecuted for breaches.

Former health minister Micheál Martin imposed the ban in March 2004 despite stringent opposition from publicans and tobacco firms.

Over a dozen delegations from countries like Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia visited Ireland during 2005 to study the law in operation.