Weerstand tegen rookverbod blijft

Hoewel de LVA, de horecaorganisatie die de pub-eigenaren van Dublin vertegenwoordigt, de strijd zegt te hebben opgegeven blijven andere organisaties, met name die met veel leden op het platteland, zich sterk verzetten tegen het algemeen rookverbod dat op 29 maart in de Ierse pubs van kracht wordt.

De Irish Hospitality Alliance overweegt inmiddels een Europese rechtszaak tegen het rookverbod te starten.

Dublin publicans drop smoking ban challenge

By Dan Collins
PUBLICANS in Dublin have dropped their legal challenge to the Government’s smoking ban, but pub owners outside the capital are still on a collision course with Health Minister Micheál Martin.

The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), which represents 95% of Dublin publicans, is now encouraging its members to uphold the ban which comes into force on March 29.

No similar gesture of support has come from the 6,000-strong Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI).

Yesterday, the organisation reiterated that between now and March 29 next, Mr Martin needs to clarify how he expects the ‘unworkable ban’ to be enforced.

“He must also clarify how he will ensure that if people persist in smoking without the publican’s permission that it is the perpetrator of the crime, not the publican, that is fined,” the VFI said.

The LVA, on the other hand, said it was disappointed no compromise had been reached with the minister.

Chief executive Donal O’Keeffe said the ban would be difficult to enforce and warned publicans not to clash with anyone flouting the law.

“Personal responsibility will be a significant factor under the smoking ban,” he said.

“All employers have a clear responsibility under the law and it is our view that the smoker should also have a clear responsibility.”

He said a dual prosecution system was of paramount importance.

“By leaving responsibility in the hands of the publican alone, the smoking ban will be difficult to enforce,” he added.

Specific information produced for the hospitality trade will outline obligations to display smoking ban signs in all pubs and restaurants.

The manager or owner of a workplace will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the ban.

The Irish Hospitality Alliance, which has also strongly opposed the ban, is trying to decide whether a legal challenge in the European courts would be viable and the organisation is set to make a decision on this within a few days.

Bron: Irish Examiner