Irish people had their first taste of smoke-free drinking and dining yesterday. The introduction of the smoking ban, covered by news-papers and TV stations from around the world, appeared to run smoothly, write Eithne Donnellan, Health Correspondent, and Conor O'Clery
However, a small number of people were less than happy with the response they got from the owners of pubs when they complained about smoking and rang the special hotline number set up by the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) to complain. Mr Dave Molloy, chief inspector with the OTC, said the complaints were noted and would be referred "to the appropriate enforcement agency for follow up". These premises would be prioritised for inspection by environmental health officers.
Despite claims by the Vintners Federation chief executive, Mr Tadg O'Sullivan, that the ban was "unenforceable and unnecessary", the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, was applauded by doctors and trade unions for his bravery. Mr Martin, who will next turn his attention to curbing binge-drinking, expects the ban will save up to 150 lives a year.
Dr Jim Egan, consultant respiratory physician at Dublin's Mater Hospital, described the ban as "an international milestone. For us to achieve that in an international context is awesome," he said.
In New York it has been announced that tax receipts from bars and restaurants jumped 8.7 per cent in the 10 months since the smoking ban went into effect, city authorities said yesterday.
Health officials say this proves the hospitality business has not been harmed by the ban. "The city's bar and restaurant industry is thriving and its workers are breathing cleaner, safer air."