The Republic of Ireland was the first country in the world to introduce a complete ban on smoking in workplaces to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. The smoke-free workplace legislation came into effect on March 29, 2004 and since then, pubs, bars, restaurants, shops, factories, offices and other enclosed workplaces are smoke-free.
Ireland’s introduction of this legislation is universally recognised as a major success and is part of a worldwide movement to protect public health from this serious hazard. Many countries, individual states and local authorities have now introduced comprehensive prohibitions on smoking in public places.
Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2002
Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004
Public Health (Tobacco)Act 2002(Commencement)Order 2004
Public Health (Tobacco)(Amendment)Act 2004 (Commencement) Order 2004
A year after the implementation of this ban a review of evidence from The Office of Tobacco Control, demonstrated that clean, healthy smoke-free environments are part of normal work and social life.
Results of the research:
There is an over-whelming support for the smoke free law among smokers and non-smokers:Air quality in pubs has improved dramatically since the smoke-free law
Levels of carbon monoxide have decreased by 45% in non-smoking bar workers
Air quality in pubs has improved dramatically since the smoke-free law
Levels of carbon monoxide have decreased by 45% in non-smoking bar workers
BBC Article on success of Ireland’s ban on smoking:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3763471.stm
Action on smoking and health
Lessons learned from Ireland’s smoke-free law – the case for similar UK-wide legislation
http://www.ash.org.uk/html/publicplaces/html/irelandreport.html
| Norway | In June 2004, Norway followed Ireland’s lead and extended existing smoke-free workplace legislation to include bars and restaurants. |
| Malta | In October 2004, Malta introduced smoke-free workplace legislation in all enclosed workplaces including pubs, bars and restaurants. |
| Italy | In January 2005, Italy implemented legislation in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and bars. |
| Sweden | In June 2005, Sweden implemented smoke-free workplace legislation in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars. |
| Scotland | In March 2006, Scotland implemented legislation in all workplaces, enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and bars. |
| New Zealand | In December 2004 New Zealand extended smoke-free workplace legislation to pubs, clubs, restaurants, and school grounds. |
| United States | In the United States, many cities and communities, as well as nine states, California, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and Montana have passed smoke-free workplace legislation for all workers (including office, restaurant, bar, bingo, bowling, casino, tavern, pub, and nightclub workers). Moves to pass similar legislation are well advanced in Maryland and Georgia. |
| Canada | In Canada, a number of provinces have enacted smoke free laws. About 63.3% of the Ontario population now lives in towns, cities (e.g. Ottawa) and counties which have passed, and in some cases implemented, 100% smoke-free bar and restaurant bylaws, according to an analysis by Ontario health agencies. Another 8.4% live in communities where votes on 100% smoke-free bylaws are pending. |
| Bhutan | In February 2005, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan prohibited smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars, having introduced a complete ban on the sale of tobacco in December 2004. |
