Smoking Ban In Ireland
Smoking ban in Ireland on the 29 March 2004 the Irish Government implemented a ban on smoking in the workplace in Ireland.
This means that with effect from that date smoking is forbidden in enclosed places of work in Ireland.
This includes office blocks, various buildings, public houses/bars, restaurants and company vehicles (cars and vans). The ban is being introduced as part of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002 (Section 47) Regulations 2003
The Government has further strengthened the law on smoking by limiting the sale of cigarettes in Ireland. From 31 May 2007 it is no longer possible to buy a pack of 10 cigarettes, you may only buy packs of 20 cigarettes.
Just under 25% of the Irish population smoke and the purpose of this ban is to offer protection to employees and the public who are exposed to the harmful and toxic effects of tobacco smoke in the workplace. Smoking has been identified as a major cause of heart disease and a significant contributor to lung cancer in Ireland.
Offenses:
Any person found guilty of breaching the ban on smoking in the workplace may be subject to a fine of up to €3,000. The owner, manager or person in charge of the workplace is legally responsible for ensuring that the ban on smoking in the workplace is complied with.
Outdoor Smoking Areas:
While smoking in an enclosed workplace is forbidden under the law, employers have discretion to provide an outdoor smoking area, subject to the requirements of the law. The law has defined an outdoor area as:
A place or premises, or part of a place or premises, that is wholly uncovered by any roof, fixed or mobile. An outdoor place or premises that is covered by a roof, so long as not more than 50% of the perimeter (outside) is covered by a wall, windows, gate or similar.
Since 29 March 2004 you are not allowed to smoke in an enclosed place of work in Ireland. While the ban will mean that smoking is forbidden in many places, there are a few exceptions:
- Prisons
- Police stations detention areas
- Nursing homes
- Hospices
- Religious order homes
- The Central Mental Hospital
- Psychiatric hospitals