Ban is unworkable and unnecessary insist VFI

The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) has reacted angrily the publication this afternoon of the Tobacco Smoking (Prohibition) Regulations which will see smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, banned from the end of January.

In a statement released this evening, the VFI said the legislation was unnecessary and a waste of money when appropriate ventilation could have been employed instead to "ensure a clean and healthy environment" in pubs and restaurants.

"The Minister states the primary purpose in introducing the smoking ban is to allow people to work and socialise in clean healthy environments. We all want clean healthy environments for our staff and customers," Mr Tadg O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of the VFI said.

"As we have said many times before, this ban is unworkable, unenforceable and unnecessary. The public will quickly see that for themselves and will recognise the stupidity of these regulations" said Mr O'Sullivan.

Earlier this month members of the VFI, which represents 6,000 country publicans, said they were considering put forward candidates for European and local elections next year to fight what they said was a growing level of repressive legislation.