Publicans to discuss proposed smoking ban
The Vintners Federation of Ireland is due to host a meeting in Portlaoise today to discuss its opposition to Government proposed all-out ban on smoking in Irish workplaces.
The VFI, which represents 6,000 publicans outside Dublin, is one of several pressure groups that has expressed vehement opposition to the ban, which is due to come into effect on January 26.
Publicans, hoteliers and restaurateurs have claimed the ban will lead to thousands of job losses in the hospitality sector, but Health Minister Micheál Martin has insisted that it will go ahead to protect workers from the potential dangers of passive smoking.
