Irish licensees revolt over smoking ban

Licensees in Ireland have rebelled against the smoking ban after claiming it has severely damaged trade.

After an initial month of sustained business in April, the novelty factor of the ban has worn off and licensees now say takings are down at least 15 per cent and in some cases by as much as 50 per cent.

In the last week at least three pubs disobeyed the law, which was introduced on March 29, and while the threat of High Court action forced licensees to back down and close, their actions emphasised the strength of feeling.

The highest profile case was Fibber Magee's pub in Galway, where owner Ronan Lawless (pictured)​ is still planning to mount a legal battle against the ban.

Mr Lawless said: "Soon there will be a lot more places defying the ban. Our backs were against the wall and we were going to be out of business within months."

Most people in the trade have not supported the acts of defiance but understand why it has happened.

Seamus O'Donoghue, president of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, said: "We can't advocate breaking the law but with 30 per cent of the population smoking you can see why trade is falling and people are suffering. We need to re-open the debate."

Frank O'Connell, owner of MacTurcaills pub in Dublin, said: "Business has dropped 20 per cent, it's a disaster. I feel sorry for the pubs in the UK if they have to go through this and the government here is losing support fast. That should be a warning to Tony Blair."