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The licensed winegrowers association says it is “completely opposed” to all open-air pub areas becoming non-smoking areas when they reopen.
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland wants outdoor areas to be tobacco-free due to the need to maintain social distance and protect clients and staff.
The RCPI tobacco policy group has written to Health Minister Simon Harris urging him to implement his proposal as part of the country’s reopening strategy.
The group’s president, Professor Des Cox, said that customers sitting outside the bars to facilitate social distancing should not be exposed to secondhand smoke.
“We would completely oppose any measure in this regard that would further affect an industry that is already on its knees,” said Donall O’Keeffe, LVA’s chief executive.
O’Keeffe said the existing smoking ban had worked well and that both companies and customers had had a high level of compliance.
The head of the Dublin Publicans’ representative body said measures like the one proposed by the RCPI would require new legislation, but a new government would also be required for that to happen.
The Federation Vintners of Ireland, the commercial organization for pubs outside the Dublin area, said they had not yet met with the government to discuss protocols for the reopening on August 10.
“Right now, we need guidance from the government on what social distancing will entail so that publicans can start renovating their bars in time for August 10,” said a VFI spokesperson.
There were great challenges ahead for commerce, including the “stark reality” that for many publicans it would not be economically feasible to open under the guidelines of social distancing.
“If there are very few people allowed in your pub, there is no possibility to trade profitably,” the spokesperson said.
“The publicans will operate under any legislation in force at that time. Public health is our number one priority and, as always, we will be guided by what the Medical Director decides. ”
Professor Cox, a pediatric respiratory medicine consultant, said that the outdoor areas of most public houses were currently designated smoking areas.
“If outdoor areas are to be used to facilitate social distancing when the bars reopen, then smoking should be prohibited in all areas of all pubs when they reopen,” he said.
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