The Irish Cigarette Machine Operators Association (ICMOA) has welcomed German and Dutch objections over legislation linked to the proposed smoking ban.
These new developments could delay the enforcement of the proposed Irish smoking ban beyond February 2004.
Spokesman Gerry Lawlor said: "Our members are now in the firing line of this smoking ban resulting in hundreds of job losses.
"We have repeatedly sought a meeting with Health Minister Micheál Martin, and dialogue with his department officials on the impact the ban will have on our members.
"ICMOA is made up of small business-people formed to represent primarily family-run businesses that provide vending machines to licensed premises in Ireland.
"The Association was founded in 1982 and has now well over 120 member companies whose sole or primary source of income is the cigarette vending business. Its membership represents over 90% of the cigarette vending sector."
It is estimated that over 450 people are in danger of losing their jobs under the new legislation.