Most Irish Support Smoking Ban

Ireland’s smoking ban has won strong support since the country became the first in the world to outlaw the habit in the workplace in March, according to a government survey published on Wednesday.

Ireland’s smoking ban has won strong support since the country became the first in the world to outlaw the habit in the workplace in March, according to a government survey published on Wednesday.The state-commissioned survey, which questioned 1,000 people, showed eight out of 10 people backed the law change, which banned lighting up in pubs and restaurants.Seven out of 10 polled said they enjoyed going to the pub more since the ban came into force and half said they were more likely to have a bar meal.”The figures confirm the continued strong public support for working and socializing in smoke-free environments,” Health Minister Micheal Martin said in a statement.The ban on smoking in all workplaces was introduced in an attempt to protect employees from passive smoking and its progress has been closely watched around the world.Norway followed Ireland’s lead in June and 4,500 British doctors called last month for their government to do the same.The Irish ban divided public opinion in a country where a cigarette and a pint in the pub were once a national institution.The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, which represents 6,000 rural pubs, said sales dropped by between 15 and 25 percent in May and June.Some publicans have risked 3,000 euro ($3,683) fines by turning a blind eye to smoking.(Source: Reuters, August 2004)