Thank you for not smoking

last updated 8 January 2015

Dublin

Ireland has become the first country in the world to ban smoking in all workplaces—including pubs and restaurants. Patrons annoyed by smokers flouting the new law can call a hotline set up by the Office of Tobacco Control and report offending pubs and other establishments. Irish health officials said the ban was intended to prevent cancer and heart disease. Nearly one-third of Irish adults smoke, and Ireland has the highest rate of heart disease in Europe. But not everyone supported the ban. “In my view, it will lead to trouble,” said Member of Parliament Jackie Healy Rae, “real terrible trouble later in the night, when people have had a few extra drinks.”