ASH calls on the incoming Government to ban smoking in pubs. This approach has worked with airlines and it will work in Irish pubs if supported by all relevant bodies with a genuine interest in workers' and patrons' health. - Yours, etc.,
ASH calls on the incoming Government to ban smoking in pubs. This approach has worked with airlines and it will work in Irish pubs if supported by all relevant bodies with a genuine interest in workers' and patrons' health. - Yours, etc.,
Sir, - ASH Ireland is surprised and disappointed that the Vintners Federation of Ireland is not prepared to support the Government in its drive to ban smoking in pubs and ensure clean air for pub users. This is a crucially important health issue - it is no longer a rights issue. The 70 per cent of people who do not smoke deserve clean air in all places of public resort, especially as we are now all aware of the health risks associated with passive smoking.
On two occasions our Oireachtas Committee on Health recommended a ban on smoking in pubs - after they had heard all the relevant arguments. Mandate, the bar workers' union, wants clear air for its workers. The director general of the Health and Safety Authority has said that tobacco smoke is the only unregulated carcinogen in the workplace. ASH expects the next Government to respond promptly on this issue and save lives.
A comment from a VFI representative recently to the effect that a smoking ban would "lead to the loss of Ireland's most familiar features" is utter nonsense. Research shows that the majority of smokers and non-smokers would favour smoke-free pubs. People do not visit pubs to inhale other peoples' smoke, damage their health and experience the awful smell of stale smoke on their hair and clothes the following morning. People visit pubs for the conviviality - which will be enhanced by clean air.
Irish pubs will enhance their support from locals and tourists if clean air can be guaranteed - and this can be achieved only with a smoking ban. In areas where smoking bans have been successfully introduced official figures show an increase in both revenue and attendance.
It must also be understood that "clean air solutions" or ventilation does not work. This is the route proposed and supported by the tobacco industry - a major vested interest, which, on the basis of past experience, should have no influence whatever on health issues.
Dr FENTON HOWELL,
Chairman, ASH Ireland,
Northumberland Road,
Dublin 4.