Smoking Ban by IrishFem
Ireland became the first country in Europe on March 29th, 2004 to impose an outright ban on smoking in workplaces. The Irish legislation makes it an offence to smoke in workplaces, in pubs and restaurants. Most of the pubs now have an outdoor area for smokers. Just under 25% of the Irish population smoke and the purpose of this ban is to offer protection to employees and the public who are exposed to the harmful and toxic effects of tobacco smoke in the workplace. Smoking has been identified as a major cause of heart disease and a significant contributor to lung cancer in Ireland. There are a few exceptions to this rule. The following places allow smoking. Police station detention areas
Nursing homes
Hospices
Religious order homes
Hotel, guesthouse and B&B bedrooms
Third-level educational residential facilities
