Smoking ban will make a real health difference

AS AN ordinary (non-smoking) pub-goer, I am appalled by the Vintners Federation of Ireland’s opposition to the ban on smoking in the workplace.

I cannot understand their point of view at all. What is so terrible about not being able to smoke in a pub? What about the point of view and health of all their thousands of customers who do not smoke?

Why do they feel that the rights of smokers are more important than those of non-smokers? Are they afraid that people will stop going to pubs just because they can’t smoke?

Have a little faith! Drinking in pubs (happily, from their point of view) is such a huge part of Irish culture that there is no way that the no smoking ban will have any impact on it.

They should please stop this nonsensical opposition to the ban and have some consideration for their non-smoking customers for a change.

Let the one minister in this Government with some shred of integrity get on with this fantastic plan, which could really make a difference to the health of the people of Ireland.

Lucia O’Donovan,

29, Dunbar Street,

Cork.