Vintners cannot ignore health risks

PUBLICANS are on collision course with the Government following Health Minister Micheál Martin’s bottom-line statement that the ban on smoking in the workplace will be applied without fear or favour to all establishments.

A countrywide rebellion by publicans is looming following the Vintners’ Federation warning that unless there is compromise, the law will face serious difficulties across the country.

Adding to the Government’s troubles, a survey of bar workers found that eight out of 10 staff now support the call for compromise amid growing fears of job losses.