Grim statistics behind the smoking ban

NOW that the Health and Safety Authority has classified environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) as a Class A carcinogen, people who contract cancer as a result will take legal action, exposing the State to crippling litigation that would likely cost hundreds of millions of euro.

Cases have already been lodged against the State and publicans who ignore the smoking ban next January could find themselves in serious trouble with employees and customers.

Smokers in pubs should pay a fine, just as smokers in buses have to do when they are caught lighting up.