7,000 Irish Have Kicked the Habit After Workplace Smoking Ban, Official Says

March 24, 2005
As governments and businesses here in the United States wrestle with the issue of banning cigarette smoking in the workplace, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern says his country's controversial workplace smoking ban has been "an outstanding success."

Ahern, in a speech marking the upcoming anniversary of the smoking ban legislation, estimated that 7,000 smokers have kicked the habit since Ireland outlawed smoking in all workplaces -- including restaurants and pubs -- last March 29. He said many more smokers have cut down.

Ahern also said a government-funded stop-smoking hotline launched in October 2003 has fielded more than 30,000 calls.

Despite vigorous resistance from Ireland's pub owners, Ahern said compliance rates have been "consistently high."

"In fact, given that smoke-free workplaces are now being seen as the norm, it is hard to believe that the ban is only 1 year old," Ahern said.

The smoking ban will have long-term health benefits for Ireland, Ahern said, as he pointed to estimates that 90 percent of all lung cancers are attributed to active or passive (second-hand) smoking. The ban also will lighten the burden smokers place on Ireland's health care system, Ahern said.

"The government decided to introduce the ban because it was the right thing to do for the health of workers everywhere and particularly for those in the catering industry, who were deemed to be most at risk from passive smoking," Ahern said. "There is no doubt now that this groundbreaking measure has proven to be an outstanding success."

Sponsored Recommendations

Take This Quiz to Find Your Safety Glove Personality

Feb. 28, 2025
What’s your HyFlex®?

Artificial Intelligence: What It Means for Safety and What's Next

Feb. 27, 2025
AI is changing the way many industries do business. Matt Law joins “The Case for Safety Podcast” to share how it’s impacting the safety profession.

10 Things Safety Professionals Should Know About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Feb. 27, 2025
From "The Incredibles" to "Changing Lanes," pop culture is full of myths about fire sprinkler systems. Expert Chris Butts helps set the record straight.

How to Improve Safety and Organizational Culture Through Risk Management

Feb. 27, 2025
By understanding and applying risk management concepts, you can improve safety and organizational culture — often with greater support from leadership.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!