The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) have published research showing an overwhelming majority of rural bar workers support a compromise solution rather than an outright ban on smoking in pubs.
According to a survey carried out by Lansdowne Market Research on behalf of the VFI, 84 per cent of rural bar staff are in support of the compromise proposals put forward by the Federation.
The VFI's proposals include designating 50 per cent of pub space to non-smoking sections, a ban on smoking at the bar counter and a commitment to install ventilation equipment.
"Over three in four bar staff agree with the three specific proposals on ventilation while seven in ten agree that half of the interior of every pub should be designated non-smoking from January 2004," says the Federation.
The research also claims that over 80 per cent of staff foresee job losses in the event of a total ban.
The VFI's chief executive Mr Tadg O'Sullivan, said: "This is unequivocal proof that a total ban on smoking is excessive and unnecessary."
"Bar workers and owners are undeniably concerned about the effect such an extreme ban will have on their livelihoods.
"Jobs will be lost if this goes ahead. Minister Martin can no longer ignore the deep concerns of the bar industry. He must enter proper consultation and consider compromise," he added.
He said the decision taken by the members of the VFI in Kerry to refuse to enforce the smoking ban was "simply a manifestation of the frustrations they feel that democracy is simply not operating in this issue".
"They see this unnecessary ban as devastating their businesses and costing jobs. They know that the ban is excessive and they know the compromise proposals put forward are more balanced and more reasonable," he said.
Earlier, the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, warned Kerry publicans the "the bottom line" was that smoking ban will apply to all establishments.
The Minister said some people have not woken up to the fact that passive smoking kills and causes cancer and heart disease. Some publicans are failing to realise "this is for real, the die has been cast".
