[Intl-tobacco] Ireland: High compliance with smoking ban found

[robert.weissman@essentialinformation.org]

High compliance with smoking ban found

Irish Times

May 28, 2004



Carl O'Brien



National compliance rates of up to 97 per cent have been recorded since the

smoking ban was introduced, according to an official report to be published

next week. Following statistics compiled from health boards and other

sources in recent days, the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) will confirm

there has been widespread compliance with the ban since it was introduced

almost two months ago.



The report will say compliance rates in settings ranging from the workplace

to the hospitality industry are in the mid to high 90 per cent range.

However, it appears there have not been any prosecutions yet in relation to

the ban for flouting the law. Fines of =E2=82=AC3,000 may be issued to anyo=
ne caught

smoking illegally. The owner, manager or person in charge of a workplace is

also legally responsible.



The law is being policed by a team of 400 inspectors, 100 of whom are

Dublin-based, according to health authorities. Authorised officers from the

health boards and the OTC have been visiting premises since the ban's

introduction, while a special workplace compliance phoneline has also been

in operation.



Inspectors have initially been giving warnings to anyone suspected of

breaking the law, although the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, has indicate=
d

that a more stringent approach will be taken after an initial "settling-in"

phase.