Living Dublin

The Ban on Smoking in the Workplace

Since 29th March, 2004 smoking is forbidden in all enclosed places of work in Ireland. This includes banks, office blocks, public buildings and, most importantly for the tourist, all pubs and restaurants. Smoking in cinemas and theatres had already been illegal for many years.

Note that the ban is not based around certain kinds of buildings, but ANY enclosed environment where people are working (and might therefore have no option to avoid passive smoking). It even applies to company vehicles (cars and vans) and to private offices although there may only be one occupant. It also applies to common areas (lobbies, toilets, etc.) of buildings such as apartment blocks and hotels.

After much debate before the ban was introduced, some exceptions were allowed. The most important of these is hotel, guesthouse and B&B bedrooms, which may allow smoking. Prisons, psychiatric hospitals and nursing and maternity homes may also provide smoking areas for visitors and patients.

What does all this mean for you? Well basically, if you want to light up in a pub, you're going to have to go outside. Many pubs, and some restaurants, have installed or extended existing beer-gardens and patios to cater for smokers, but pubs in the city centre have not always had the space to do this, so a walk through the city these days often involves skipping off the pavement to avoid huddled groups of 'smirters' (smoking and flirting) crowding pub doorways. Outdoor smoking areas must be either uncovered or have more than 50% of their perimeter open to the elements.

For more information on the ban and the fines incurred, see the Government's Oasis site and the Smoke-free at Work site.

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