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NI Smoking Ban Announced
Northern Ireland's health minister, Shaun Woodward, today announced a complete ban on smoking in public places in the province due to come into effect in April 2007.
Arguments that it could endager jobs of bar staff have been largely countered by reports that the number of bar staff employed in the Republic since the ban there came into force has increased - and they're healthier too!
Obviously if you read my recent post "Your Right To Be Smoke Free" you'll know I'm delighted at the prospect of going for a night out without having to breathe in smoke in the bar. I'm slightly disappointed that Mr Woodward claims to have been swayed by the impact on the health of bar staff (rather than the general public) as it seems like he's almost apologising from the outset and making excuses for his decision, but the important thing is that he was swayed.
Follow up:
It's also a pity that it'll be nearly 2 years before the law comes into effect - is there any need for such a long wait? While I'm happy with the ban I'd like to see it implemented in the next 12 months; surely that's enough time to get the legislation through Westminster. After all, apparently the Department of Health in London is waiting to see how the blanket ban goes in Ulster before deciding whether to extend their own partial ban.
Thanks to Slug for reminding me to post on this.