Pub's 'compromise' smoking ban

People are no longer allowed smoke in bars or restaurants

A balance can be struck to keep both smokers and non-smokers happy in pubs and restaurants, according to a County Antrim publican.

Damien Curran of the Bureau Bar Bistro in Whiteabbey was speaking on Monday after the controversial smoking ban in workplaces in the Irish Republic came into force at midnight.

The ban has delighted health campaigners, but publicans fear it will damage custom and question whether it is enforceable.

Pubs in Northern Ireland are hoping for a cash bonanza, with smokers willing to cross the border to continue smoking a cigarette with their pint.

But supporters of the ban say that far from putting people off, smoke-free pubs and bars will attract a whole new clientele.

Mr Curran has decided that a compromise is the best way.

We're generating new business on the back of having a non-smoking policy Damien Curran Publican

Rather than introducing a total ban, Mr Curran says that smoking is not allowed around the bar counter area and in the upstairs restaurant.

A no smoking area is also provided in the bar itself.

He said: "People are against smoking and trying to get an all-out ban, but I think this compromise is in everybody's best interests.

"It protects employees, particularly at the bar where the risk of passive smoking is highest, but it also allows smokers to enjoy their beer.

"The two go hand in hand - a social occasion involves drink and on many occasions, smoking as well.

He said there was no risk of passive smoking in the restaurant where it was banned.

Mr Curran said no customers had expressed any objections.

"People realise that if they want to smoke, they simply leave the restaurant area and come downstairs and smoke away to their hearts' content," he said.

"We're saying it is beneficial - we're generating new business on the back of having a non-smoking policy," he said.