Irish pubs up in arms at smoking ban plans
11/08/99
DUBLIN, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Ireland's pub landlords were up in arms on Monday at parliamentary plans to outlaw smoking on their premises, saying it would spell the death of the traditional pub.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland said the initiative -- which parliament is expected to reveal in a report due to be published on Tuesday -- would not only impinge on people's freedom, but also on the jobs market and government tax revenues.
``It would be the death knell of the pub, but it also has implications for employment and for the treasury,'' said Tadg O'Sullivan, the federation's chief executive.
``The pub is the last place one can smoke in comfort other than the home. The parliament should support the federation and concentrate on improving air quality in pubs,'' he added.
The federation represents 6,000 pubs in the Irish Republic, employing some 60,000 staff.
A spokesman for the parliament -- or Oireachtas -- declined to comment on the contents of the as yet confidential report, but said it would ``almost certainly'' touch on smoking in pubs.
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