BMA call for smoking ban to extend to UK

The British Medical Association (BMA) has called on the UK Government to follow the Republic of Ireland's lead and ban smoking in enclosed public places.

The ban in the Irish Republic came into force at midnight meaning customers caught smoking in pubs, restaurants and other enclosed workplaces, will leave proprietors facing fines of up to 3,000 euros (£2,000).

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Head of BMA Ethics and Science, said: "The Irish Government has shown real leadership in this area and we urge the UK Government to do the same. At least one thousand people die every year from second-hand smoke and the time for complacency is over.

"The Government keeps saying it wants to tackle public health issues well we've got the evidence that passive smoking kills so why don't they act on it?"

Dr Peter Maguire, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Science and a consultant anaesthetist in Northern Ireland added: "I for one will be crossing the border to be able to have a drink in a smoke-free pub and I'm sure others will be doing the same. But the point is we shouldn't have to do this. Everyone has a right to go to smoke-free restaurants, pubs and shops."

However, not all in Northern Ireland are behind such a move. The Federation of the Retail icensed Trade NI, the NI Hotels Federation and the NI Federation of Clubs have called for a compromise.

Nicola Jamison, Chief Executive of the Federation of Retail Licensed Trade said: "The ban in the Republic is the most erroneous in the world.

"Experience of other bans has shown that the licensed trade can expect a fall in trade as still the majority of pub goers are smokers."

Ms Jamison said the three Federations were currently working to draw up a set of standards for all licensed premises that go further than the current standards within the Public Places Smoking Charter.

(MB)