FRANK FELL,
Madam, - I can assure Seamus Baynes (February 4th) that I do indeed get out and about - quite a lot, I am happy to say!
He mentions the experience of California and admits that his experience is anecdotal. Perhaps some real-life documented experience might help to set the record more in perspective.
In 2000 British Columbia introduced an all-out ban on smoking in the hospitality industry. After a number of months the ban was struck down by the Supreme Court of the Province. Evidence collected by the hospitality industry showed that:
1. Liquor sales were down by 11 per cent in January/February compared with the same period of the previous year.
2. Draught beer sales fell by 13 per cent in the same period.
3. In the first month of the ban 540 jobs were lost, with an estimated loss to the provincial economy of $11 million (Can). By February 2000 this figure had risen to 730 job losses.
4. Six businesses were closed during the period.
Further evidence is available if he would care to consider it. By the way, it is proven actuarial fact that bar staff who have spent their entire careers in the licensed trade in Dublin have a life expectancy exactly the same as the rest of the Irish workforce and there is no compelling evidence to suggest that bar staff are less healthy or suffer more absenteeism than other workers. - Yours, etc.,
FRANK FELL, Chief Executive, Licensed Vintners Association,
Anglesea Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Madam, - All this fuss and commotion about the dangers of smoking and the threatened restrictions. The most vociferous objectors are the publicans - the most active purveyors of a much greater danger, alcohol. This drug causes such dreadful destruction of men and women, marriages and families, murder, and most other types of violent acts.
When is mankind going to face up to this truth? Alcohol is a potential killer and destroyer of all that is good. Why is it so universally accepted?
Why aren't those in authority launching a campaign against its more or less uncontrolled use and abuse? By comparison, this current uprising against smoking is a joke. - Yours, etc.,
ALBERT HEANEY, Newpark Court, Blackrock, Co Dublin.