Owners of public houses in Kerry are set to defy the law when the ban on smoking comes into force.
Minister for Health Micheál Martin's proposed smoking ban is to go ahead in 2004. This will establish Ireland as the first country in Europe to introduce a smoking ban in the workplace, pubs and restaurants.
Vintners in Kerry say the smoking ban can not and will not be enforced in the county. Publican and Independent TD for Kerry South Jackie Healy-Rae is convinced the smoking ban is unworkable. He claims he would rather go to jail than enforce the ban.
Jackie Healy-Rae brings reporter Bryan Dobson to Kerry to demonstrate how unpopular the proposed ban is among bar owners and patrons alike.
At the Randles Court Hotel in Killarney, general manager Tom Randles feels that rather than making Ireland a trailblazer, the smoking ban will set the country apart from the rest of Europe. He would prefer to see he ban implemented on a phased basis,
This all out ban is unfeasible.
When visiting Pat Spillane’s Bar in Templenoe, Killarney a barwoman says she would prefer to go to prison than tell a customer to go outside to smoke.
Regulars in the bar are also unhappy at the ban,
If I was told to put out my cigarette, I’d go home.
Another smoker in Spillane’s comes from a staunch Fianna Fáil family but,
I feel strongly that they’re making a big mistake.
Jackie Healy Rae agrees,
The government and Micheál Martin are going to pay an extraordinary price for this smoking ban.
With local and European elections due in 2004, this price could be paid sooner rather than later.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 10 October 2003. The reporter is Bryan Dobson.
