[Intl-tobacco] Ireland Smoking Ban a Success

[Robert Weissman]

March 24, 2005


      Ireland Smoking Ban a Success

By SHAWN POGATCHNIK Associated Press Writer

(AP) - DUBLIN, Ireland-Prime Minister Bertie Ahern on Thursday lauded
Ireland's workplace smoking ban, a year-old in five days, as a
world-leading measure that would benefit future generations.

Ireland on March 29, 2004, became the first country to ban smoking in
all enclosed workplaces, including in the nation's 10,000-plus pubs.


The two major associations of pub owners warned that some members would
face business ruin from lost trade, and many smokers defiantly vowed to
flout the ban.

But the ban has proved extremely popular and widely observed in Ireland,
where 70 percent of adults don't smoke. The government estimated 94
percent to 97 percent compliance - a pattern backed by the threat of
$3,900 maximum fines.

Some pubs have created heated outdoor terraces where drinkers can
continue to puff away.

Ireland's move was modeled on similar measures already in place in New
York City, California and scores of other U.S. states and cities. It was
considered a particularly bold step in Europe, where smoking faces much
more modest restrictions in most countries.

Ahern said he was pleased that the predictions of social conflict and
business doom had failed to materialize.

"I'm only too aware that for a lot of people, it changed the way they
did things for a long, long time. It was difficult for them, but they
complied for the greater good," said Ahern.

So far, Norway is the only other European nation to impose a similarly
restrictive ban. Italy in January launched severe restrictions on indoor
smoking, but still permits smoking sections in restaurants and bars if
they're fully enclosed and have modern ventilation.