The Government's plan to ban smoking in restaurants and pubs from January 1st next is supported by almost 60 per cent of the general public. The findings, in today's Irish Times/MRBI poll, will provide political comfort for the Minister for Health, while undermining the case being made for less stringent measures by the vintners associations and the tobacco industry.
An estimated 7,000 people die in this State every year as a consequence of tobacco addiction. Tens of thousands are physically incapacitated. The cost in social terms is incalculable. And the health services simply cannot cope with the strain placed on their resources.
For too long, while the link between tobacco and lung cancer remained unproven, government policy was influenced by revenue from excise duty and representations made by tobacco companies. Now that the damage to health caused by both active and passive smoking is indisputable, the European Commission and member States of the EU are combining to protect the lives of their citizens.
Three out of ten adults smoke in this society. And yet publicans and tobacco companies have attempted to persuade the Government to give the anti-social habits of smokers a higher priority than the health of the majority. Young people and, in particular young women, are specifically targeted by tobacco companies and are most at risk of becoming addicted. Some 47 per cent of people in the 18-25 year age group smoke, according to this poll.
The incidence of tobacco use drops to 35 per cent in the 25-34 age cohort, before tailing off at 25 per cent amongst pensioners. Almost three-quarters of non-smokers support the minister in the introduction of a smoking ban in pubs and restaurants. And 28 per cent of smokers agree. On the other hand, two-thirds of existing smokers are opposed to the ban and they receive support from 21 per cent of non-smokers.
Successive governments have moved cautiously to control the use of this addictive and dangerous substance. In recent years, a more forceful approach has been taken by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin. Legislation banning the advertising of tobacco products and various measures controlling their sale was passed last year, only to be struck down by the courts following litigation by tobacco companies. This time, the Government must ensure there are no loopholes in the legislation. On-the-spot fines, and other penalties, must be enforced when the owners of licensed premises, or their customers, flout the law. The Garda Siochana should be given primary responsibility for enforcement.
In the meantime, the Minister for Health can emphasise his commitment to tackling this killer drug and protecting young people by joining the Minister for Justice in cracking down on the illegal sale of cigarettes to minors.