A Galway publican launching a High Court challenge to the smoking ban said today he felt confident of success.
Having received the backing of his local Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), Mr Ronan Lawless also learned the branch would be seeking backing - including financial assistance - from the national executive of the organisation.
Mr Lawless, who could face a bill of €70,000 if his action fails - said the smoking ban was a national issue. "It's not about me, it's not about Fibber Magees, it's about freedom of choice," he said.
"All I am calling for is for an end to the discrimination ... We want compromise and feel it can be achieved. I feel very positive and confident," the publican said.
Mr Lawless, who owns four Galway pubs, claims he can no longer sustain profitable business.
He has already been forced to close Fibber Magees, the bar where last week the ban was flouted.
His caused has been boosted by the support of the VFI Galway branch. Chairman Mr Paul O'Grady said today the Government could not "take the moral high ground" on smoking while raising revenue through the tax and excise on tobacco.
He said he would be calling on three other organisations, the Licensed Vintners Association, the Irish Hotel's Federation and the Irish Hospitality Industry Association, to help finance Mr Lawless's bid.
"The legal advice we have been given is pretty positive," he said. "We are hopeful we will get the backing of publicans nationwide. It's an issue of national interest and it's better late than never."
He said the VFI was not pro-smoking, but pro-choice. Mr Lawless's legal team is headed by former Attorney General John Rogers. They are hoping to lodge papers this week and the case is expected to be heard towards the end of the year.