North compliant on first day of smoking ban

Enforcement teams reported total compliance today as the smoking ban ushered in anew era for the North.

Enforcement teams reported total compliance today as the smoking ban ushered in a new era for the North.

Environmental health officers patrolled pubs and restaurants to check for any immediate breach of the prohibition.

In Belfast, city council staff planned to visit nearly 800 public premises by the end of the first day - and the early signs were that no one dared to light up at the bar.

Apart from one taxi-driver spotted having a crafty cigarette behind the wheel, the air was clear everywhere they went.

Tom Crossan, principal environmental health officer in Belfast, sent nearly 50 staff to districts across the city.

Pubs on both the Shankill and Falls Roads were among the first to come under scrutiny before advancing to more central locations.

Mr Crossan said: "To have 100% compliance in outlying areas is excellent. But its early days yet."

His warning for anyone caught flouting the ban in future was clear.

"If people or businesses blatantly go against this law we will come down on them and there will be prosecutions.

"We're making no apology to anyone; we're committed to this legislation because of the damage smoking causes to people's health."

The ban was introduced two months before England, and brought the North into line with Wales, Scotland and the Republic.

Fixed penalty notices of £50 (€73.22) will be slapped on any smoker who insists on lighting up in a pub or other enclosed public place - while business premises themselves face fines of up to £2,500 (€3,661) if they fail to enforce the ban.

As drinkers and punters took to the streets outside bars and bookmakers to light up, checks were carried out with one taxi firm in Belfast.

"One of our staff did notice a taxi driver smoking," confirmed Mr Crossan.

"It's a work vehicle, so we will be following that up with the management of the company."

Campaigners opposed to smoking in public places hailed the move, claiming it would save lives.

Mike Unger, chief executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: "We're delighted that Northern Ireland is going smoke-free.

"Approximately 800 people die from lung cancer in Northern Ireland each year but with the vast majority expressing a desire to quit, we hope this number will be reduced."

The legislation was brought in after 91% of the public who responded to a consultation exercise backed plans for comprehensive tobacco controls.

The North's health Minister Paul Goggins described the ban as a new beginning.

He said: "In years to come, people will be amazed that smoking was once permitted in enclosed workplaces and public places.

"I believe that future generations will applaud the wisdom of the decision to introduce comprehensive controls on where people may smoke and we will look back on this as a landmark day."

But one critic claimed the legislation could actually drive up smoking levels.

James Leavey, a journalist and broadcaster who has written a series of smokers' guides to European cities, based his theory on the desire to be seen and potential encounters with the opposite sex.

"Now that Northern Ireland's smokers are on public display outside bars and clubs - many of them clearly enjoying themselves - this may encourage more people to smoke," he said.

"Besides, with Northern Ireland's booming economy there's a lot to celebrate, preferably with a fine cigar.

"And then there's all that 'smirting' - smoking and flirting - that will be going on, rather like in Dublin."

more courts articles

Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told Gary Glitter victim seeking six-figure sum in damages, court told
Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape Stephen Bear ordered to pay back profits from sharing private sex tape
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother

More in this section

Irish homelessness Government criticised for missing social and affordable housing targets
National Risk Assessment for Ireland Tánaiste urges Israel ‘to show humanity’ and allow more aid into Gaza
Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited