The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has called on the government to waive the smoking ban in pubs that are showing a decline in business since its introduction.
Some Irish pubs are already suffering from loss of business as a result of the embargo, which came into effect on 29 March, and licensees fear worse losses once the summer months are over. The trade is hoping Micheál Martin, the Irish minister for health and children, will consider a waiver.
Joe Browne, outgoing VFI president told the AGM: "To date there have been mixed reports from members. Thankfully compliance has been high, however, our fear of a severe loss in business as a result of the smoking ban has become a reality for many members.
"Many small, rural, family-owned pubs have been hit particularly hard since the introduction of the ban and have serious concerns for their livelihoods and future."
A review of the ban in Ireland is due to take place in July and industry sources hope the government introduce a similar system to that of New York, which brought in a waiver system after businesses provided evidence of the fall in trade.
