Clash Of The Ash

Pub lobby group’s fury at plans to ban smoking zones. Proposal put forward as another 24 die with Covid-19

- Ciara Phelan And Neil Leslie

A lobby group last night vowed to oppose proposals to ban outdoor smoking areas once bars reopen.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s Policy Group on Tobacco wants the Government to implement their plan when pubs are allowed to trade again later this summer.

In a letter to Health Minister Simon Harris, chair Prof Des Cox outlined smoking involves fingers touching lips which he said could increase “the possibility of virus transmission”.

He added: “If bar staff are providing table service to all customers – including customers seated in outdoor areas – they too will be exposed to secondhand smoke.

“We ask that the Department of Health does not inadvertently allow for another public health crisis to develop as a consequence of implementing social distancing policies.”

Health officials also claimed the move would encourage more punters to use outdoor tables thereby helping to enforce the two-meter rule.

A spokeswoman for Minister Harris said the proposal would be carefully considered.

But Licensed Vintners’ Association chief Donall O’Keeffe told the Irish Mirror it would oppose the idea. He said: “There has been an extraordinary high level of compliance to the smoking ban legislation by both businesses and customers.