More than half the Irish population want a smoking ban in pubs
Almost 60 per cent of the Irish population think the forthcoming smoking ban in pubs is right, says a new survey.
A poll carried out for the Irish Times by MRBI found that 59 per cent of those surveyed agree with the planned ban on smoking in Irish pubs and restaurants being brought in next year.
However, the Atmosphere Improves Results (AIR) initiative, which is promoting self-regulation in the UK through the industry's Smoking Charter, pointed out that those polled were not offered the choice of smoke-free pubs - just a smoky atmosphere or a ban.
The Irish poll found that 36 per cent disagreed with the proposals by the minister for health to impose the ban - among non-smokers, 73 per cent agree with the proposal, falling to 28 per cent of smokers who support the ban.
Support for the ban is highest among older people, with 69 per cent of those aged over 65 supporting it. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, 49 per cent are in favour and 49 per cent against.
There is stronger support for a smoking ban among women, with 62 per cent for a ban compared to 55 per cent of men.
Oliver Griffiths, spokesman for the AIR initiative, said: "The interviewees were not offered a third way - just smoky pub and smoking ban." He added that those more likely to use pubs, including younger people, were generally more tolerant.
Latest research from the UK Charter Group has revealed that 59 per cent of pubs are signed up to the voluntary charter, which promotes self-regulation on smoking for the pub trade through the use of signage and good ventilation.
