A Cavan publican was fined €3,000, the maximum fine for breaching the smoking ban, at Ballyjamesduff District Court today.
Judge John Coughlan also ordered Mr Gerard Lovett, owner of the Copper Kettle on Main Street, Kilnaleck to pay costs of over €1,000.
Mr Barry Coady, an Environmental Health Officer, told the court how he had witnessed several people smoking in the pub on the day in question and added that staff in the pub made no effort to stop them.
Mr Lovett told the court he felt it was more responsible of him not to try and stop them.
"I thought I had more of a responsibility to keep order. I did not want to put 40 or 50 fairly lively Travellers out onto the street," Mr Lovett said.
In summing up Judge Coughan commented that it was an "expensive day out" for the defendant.