Vintners Circumvent the Legislation and Encourage Smoking

Date: 28 February 2006

Pre ASH Wednesday Statement

Vintners Circumvent the Legislation and Encourage Smoking

ASH Ireland is seriously concerned about the proliferation of smoking rooms in many pubs in Dublin and around the country. As many people try to quit smoking this ASH Wednesday, we have a vintners trade demonstrating its determination to encourage smoking, by circumventing the workplace legislation.

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman of ASH Ireland said today, “The smoking legislation was designed to protect workers health. A situation is now emerging where ‘smoking rooms’ are being developed by vintners - in which all customers smoke. These rooms are being served by staff in what is in many cases a toxic carcinogenic reservoir. This runs totally contrary to the legislation - and I urge the Government to take whatever steps are necessary to put a stop to this practice.”

When the workplace legislation was introduced some vintners provided outdoor heated areas, where smokers could leave the premises and smoke if they wanted. This relatively safe practice for employees has now been replaced by blatant abuse of the legislation. We now have ‘new pub lounges’ with seating, ashtrays ‘big TV screens’ and a full staff service. This new practice is in breach of the legislation and poses very significant risk to workers.

Further Information:

Luke Clancy, Chairman, ASH Ireland, 086 836 4337
Wally Young, Young Communications, 01 668 0530, 087 247 1520

ASH Ireland is fully funded by the Irish Heart Foundation and Irish Cancer Society