"Rip-off" prices in bars and restaurants are damaging the hospitality industry much more than the workplace smoking ban, according to new research.
The survey, published to coincide with the first anniversary today of the introduction of the ban, found that 17 per cent of adults were going to the pub less because of it. However, 28 per cent of adults were going less because of high prices.
The survey, conducted by Milward Brown IMS, found that restaurants were also being hit by a perception of high prices.
Some 22 per cent of respondents said they went to restaurants less because of the cost of dining, while just 9 per cent said they went less because of the smoking ban.
Some 66 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement that consumers were "not getting a fair deal from pubs and restaurants".
Bettina MacCarvill, associate director of Milward Brown IMS, said: "One year on, there's no doubt that sales have been hit by the ban, but prices are the bigger issue. Many people are opting to spend more on their leisure time at home or in the homes of friends and family, rather than pricey nights out in bars and restaurants.
"Consumers just don't feel they're getting a fair deal from pubs and restaurants. Rip-off Ireland seems to be a reality for many."
The study found disenchantment with prices was highest among 25 to 34-year-olds (78 per cent of whom agreed that consumers were being ripped-off), and among Dubliners (77 per cent of whom agreed with the same).
Some 10 per cent of respondents said they were going to the pub more because of the smoking ban, while half as many said they were going more because of prices.
A total of 1,094 adults were separately asked in door-to-door interviews whether they were going to the pub more or less often than in the past because of the smoking ban, and whether they were going more or less often because of prices.
Ms MacCarvill said the research company had done the study for itself, although it was also likely to be of interest to some of its clients.
She also said the property market was likely to have had an impact on the increase in in-home entertainment.
"Those living in rented accommodation were found to be more likely to be deterred by perceived high prices in pubs and restaurants than home-owners. No doubt, many are saving for home deposits."
Another survey, published yesterday, found that 98 per cent of people believe their workplaces are healthier since the introduction of the smoking ban.
The TNS mrbi survey, commissioned by the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC), found that 80 per cent of smokers, and 93 per cent of all respondents, thought the introduction of the ban was a good idea.
The OTC said 99 per cent of restaurants had complied with the ban, compared to 93 per cent of hotels and 90 per cent of licensed premises.
