We must follow Ireland's positive lead on smoking

The Republic of Ireland's ban on smoking in the workplace celebrated its first anniversary this week. A host of research emerged to mark the occasion, all of it pointing to the landmark legislation being a success story. According to a survey commissioned by the Republic's Office of Tobacco Control, more than nine out of 10 Irish people believe the law was a good idea; and an overwhelming 98% believe that workplaces are healthier as a result of the law. These positive figures are echoed by the operators, among whom compliance to the smoking prohibition is flying high, at 94% of premises.
A separate study from the Office of Tobacco Control provides even more heartening findings. It reveals that carbon monoxide levels in bar staff's lungs have dropped by more than a third since the introduction of the ban.
Finally, research from Irish market research agency Millward Brown IMS suggests high prices, more than the smoking ban, are responsible for any decline in trade at pubs, bars and restaurants in what it terms "rip-off Ireland".
So what can we take from all these statistics? First, and most important, the legislation is having its desired effect. There's no reason why a hospitality professional should have to breathe in someone else's smoke - and, in Ireland at least, they no longer need do so. Moreover, the Irish general public are glad of the opportunity to improve the air, and thereby the health, of present and future generations.
Of course, some customers have moved on, but others have replaced them. Meanwhile, the craic on the doorsteps of Irish pubs, bars and restaurants has never been so good, as smokers take advantage of gas heaters, tables, ashtrays and shelters to indulge their vice in a modicum of comfort.
The ban's success hinges on the fact that it applies universally, meaning that compliant operators need not fear seeing customers drift off to rival premises where smoking is still allowed. Now Westminster must follow Ireland's lead, and it would do well to pay heed to the Irish experience. Last November, the British Government's White Paper on health announced that smoking would be banned within four years in all enclosed public places that serve food. This would leave an estimated 20% of licensed premises exempt from the ban; their employees still prey to the harmful side effects of passive smoking.
When the General Election is resolved, the next government must mimic Ireland's farsightedness and introduce not a fudge, but a total ban.

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