Vintners Circumvent the Legislation and Encourage Smoking
Statement from ASH Ireland
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practice has now been replaced by blatant abuse of the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