Opinions on the impending government ban on smoking in the workplace.
Minister for Health Mícheál Martin has announced that in six weeks smoking will no longer be allowed in pubs, restaurants and most workplaces.
Those working in the hospitality industry will encounter the biggest changes. Some restauranteurs like Kelvin Rynhart of Bang Restaurant are looking forward to it. He believes that smokers will not be as inclined to linger after a meal,
We’ll have a higher potential customer turnover.
Anti-smoking groups have greeted the news with delight. Professor Luke Clancy of ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) called on employees and employers to support the ban.
Make sure it’s implemented.
Resourcing is key to the success of the smoking ban’s implementation. Forty environmental health officers will police the country’s bars and restaurants, supported by three hundred colleagues. One hundred health and safety officers have been assigned to the workplace ban. Resources have been an issue, but according to Finbarr Murphy of the Irish Hospitality Alliance things are moving in the right direction.
Addressing the media today Minister for Health Micheál Martin announced the date of the ban, describing it as
A landmark in protection of the health of the nation.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland have said the ban is unworkable, but Minister Martin maintains that it will work as it has been adequately resourced,
In relation to the enforcement issue, I’m very confident.
Prisons and nursing homes are exempt from the ban, but the hospitality industry has called for some of its members to be included, particularly those in the border counties.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 February 2004. The reporter is Paul Cunningham.
