U-turn would spark rash of litigation

Tobacco smokers are entitled to damage their own health, but they should not be allowed to damage the health of other people.

There is indisputable evidence that passive smoking is injurious to people’s health. Since the vast majority of people do not smoke, they should be protected from the hazards of unwanted smoke in all confined public places.

Twenty-five years ago, the last Fianna Fáil majority government introduced a bill to allow the banning of cigarette advertising.