UK fear as Irish smoking ban comes into force

Smoking is to be banned in pubs in the Irish Republic when food is being served, and is also to be outlawed in restaurants.

The fear is the new law could make its way into the UK, which is currently battling against mandatory smoking bans in pubs.

New regulations are currently being drafted, according to Irish Health Minister Michael Martin - a non-smoker - and will be implemented early next year.

As well as a smoking ban during meal times, licensees will also be required to provide smoke-free zones on their premises.

The minister is also considering a ban on smoking at bar counters, so as to offer greater protection to staff. He has promised consultations with the trade before the new regulations are enforced.

With many Irish pubs now serving meals through the day, the new measures would amount almost to a total smoking ban. "Even a limited ban will be difficult to enforce," warned Tadgh O'Sullivan, chief executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland. We will be looking for a realistic solution when we meet the minister."

Nick Bish, spokesperson for the UK industry's Charter Group, said: "It's for the Irish to get their own house in order, in England and Wales we're confident that we have the best act in town as far as self regulation is concerned, and the government seems to recognise that. It's up to us as an industry to ensure that the voluntary approach is a success."

The Charter Group is encouraging self-regulation and so far more than 50 per cent of pubs are complying by providing good ventilation and/or smoke-free areas.