ASH Ireland Celebrate First Smokefree Meal in Smokefree Workplace

Date: 29 March 2004

At a meal arranged in Bewley’s Oriental Café, Grafton Street at 8am this morning – billed as the first ‘Smokefree Meal in a Irish Smokefree Workplace’, Professor Luke Clancy Chairman of ASH Ireland said, “The introduction of the workplace smoking legislation is groundbreaking in terms of its contribution to the health of the nation. Workers around the country – 78% of whom do not smoke can enjoy a smokefree and much safer workplace. Patrons, both Irish and visitors from overseas, can also enjoy our pubs and restaurants without the risk of breathing in cancer causing carcinogens - and this is good news. ASH Ireland has lobbied successive Governments for this change in legislation for over 10 years.”

ASH Ireland compliments Minister Micheal Martin and the Government for this outstanding health initiative. Professor Luke Clancy went on to say, “Earlier this year I referred to this legislation as the ‘Health Initiative of the Century’ and I have no doubt that research will in time justify this statement”.

ASH Ireland also asks the vintners and other employers to support the legislation. This is essentially about workers and patrons’ health. This health initiative is deserving of our support – as all of us have a right to clean air in our workplaces, pubs and restaurants.