DUNDALK ADJUSTS TO LANDMARK SMOKING BAN IN WORKPLACE

April 2004

Following the introduction of legislation on 29 March banning smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants, Dundalk, long the home of a thriving tobacco industry, embraces the controversial measures – a world first - with a positive reaction from staff and customers alike.

Pubs are fast becoming cleaner and healthier places to frequent and in the early days of the ban no one, it seems, dares to flout the law.

Betting shops, of course, are also included, and Deborah Caraher, manager of Paddy Power, Park Street, reports a smooth transition.

‘Generally, it’s been well received, and we’ve had no problems at all,’ she says.

However, like their counterparts across the country many Dundalk publicans are eager to reserve judgement until the passing of the first full weekend of the ban.

‘I think that will be the real test,’ remarks Bart O’Connor, Duty Manager, Imperial Hotel.

‘ There could well be problems with groups of people standing outside pubs.’

The Park Street hotel is keeping a long book of any incidents associated with the smoking ban.

‘So far, we’ve got a clean sheet!’ According to Paul McGinn, of McEntegart’s, ‘It’s been an absolute gift. We haven’t had a single customer complaining in these first few days.’

The premises has a side alley where smokers can take a seat and a cigarette outdoors.

‘ The smell of smoke doesn’t linger on your clothes,’ he adds.

Staff at Moe’s Bar are also positive, and with a specially constructed outdoor facility will be able to accommodate drinkers who want a smoke.

At some other licensed premises, punters who fancy a drag must step outside.

Jim McAlester, McAlester’s, Bridge Street, comments that the introduction of the ban has been ‘remarkably painless and largely customer driven’.

A smoking area has been established in the beer garden at the back, and he intends to extend this area before next winter, putting in heaters to make it more comfortable.

‘I think it will be self-regulatory (the law),’ adds Jim who gave up smoking 15 years ago.

However, he has concerns about the long-term effect of the ban, explaining that 75% of his customers smoke and pointing out that he may lose some of them.

Michael Finnegan, The Camelot, Church Street, also reveals that the introduction of the ban has gone smoothly, saying it is like the big fuss made about the plastic bag tax and penalty points system.

‘People just get on with it.’ He pinpoints another benefit in terms of cost saving.

‘I had to turn off the heating, because with the ventilation on to extract the smoke I was losing all the warm air. Now, the ventilation isn’t on, and neither is the heating.’

In one of the town’s most popular restaurants, Ma Brady’s in Church Street, Ann Kirk says customers have adapted to the new law without any difficulty.

‘One did ask me for an ashtray, but then I asked him had he €3,000?’