As the ban on smoking approaches publicans call for choice. The Department of Health want ashtrays removed but promises a period of probation.
With a week to go before the smoking ban comes into effect in pubs, The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) says it will not be placing a ban on ashtrays in their members' pubs.
in Portlaoise, people have been supporting the fundraising for cancer care on Daffodil Day. Not everyone is happy about the ban on smoking in pubs due to come into effect on 29 March. Customers at O'Donoghue's pub say they will try to quit the habit. Publican Seamus O'Donoghue, while not advocating smoking wants customers to have a choice.
I think that people who do smoke should be given the choice in bar situations.
The Vintners Association is setting up a fund to help some of their six thousand members who feel they are being unfairly treated. They have also taken a defiant stance on the removal of ashtrays from pubs. Joe Browne, President Vintners Federation of Ireland, says that publicans will have to keep a certain amount of ashtrays as it will still be possible to smoke herbal cigarettes.
The Department of Health has announced that there will be a period of probation during which environmental health officers will use their discretion when dealing with offenders.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 March 2004. The reporter is Ciaran Mullooly.
