Kerry publicans are not keen on a change in law that will ban smoking in pubs.
The Vintners Association of Ireland in Kerry have voted unanimously to defy the government and not enforce the smoking ban due to come into effect next January.
Publican John O'Sullivan says that pub owners opposition is because of a lack of consultation over the smoking ban.
There has to be room for manoeuvre in there. I mean, we don't wish to break any law.
Independent Kerry TD and publican Jackie Healy Rae supports the vintners' stance. He is of the opinion the minister cannot compel him to do something that he is not able to do.
Mandate, the bar workers' union, says that publicans should not be allowed to bully the Minister for Health and described the vintners decision as nonsense.
Minister for Health, Michéal Martin, has warned publicans the ban on smoking in the workplace will be applied without exception. Vintners in Kerry voted against the smoking ban and say they will continue to allow smoking on their premises.
The law will be applied to all establishments. That's the bottom line.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 October 2003. The reporter is Jennie O'Sullivan.
