In the future, voters are likely to look back on the Coalition Government's decision to ban smoking in the workplace and regard it as a major medical and social advance.
In spite of opposition from the hospitality sector, the tobacco industry and, yesterday, from the employers' body, IBEC, it is a decision whose time has come - much as the tax on plastic bags that changed our behaviour for the better. Tobacco users will be still free to smoke. But not in circumstances that may damage the health of other customers and employees.
A campaign designed to force a change of mind on the Government has been underway for months. The Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance (IHIA), which represents pubs, hotels and restaurants, has lobbied intensively within the Government parties. On Thursday, it published a report that estimated a five per cent drop in alcohol sales, as a result of the ban, would lead to 10,700 redundancies and the loss of €157 million to the Exchequer. A 30 per cent drop was estimated as costing the Exchequer €1 billion and causing 64,200 job losses.
These figures have been dismissed as "scaremongering" by the trade unions that represent workers in the hospitality sector. And the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, has insisted there is no evidence to suggest there will be negative economic consequences following the introduction of the provisions next January. In spite of that, IBEC has expressed concern about the ban on smoking in the workplace in terms of feasibility and because of the elimination of dedicated smoking rooms.
The Government's chief medical adviser, Dr Jim Kiely, has said there can be no compromise over the health and safety of workers. He is absolutely correct. Should the Government fail to take action, it would lay itself open to litigation from persons whose health had been damaged through passive smoking. Sufficient research exists to prove beyond doubt the dangers involved. The IHIA has itself argued that smoking-related deaths in the hospitality industry were just 13, compared to the Minister's estimate of several hundred. But 13 avoidable deaths each year, translating into 13 bereaved families, is more than sufficient justification for banning tobacco use in the workplace. This issue is about protecting public health. An estimated 7,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses, while tens of thousands are incapacitated and hospitalised at enormous expense. Unfortunately, this ban will not immediately change that situation. But, if it reduces tobacco consumption and improves the quality of life of nicotine addicts and non-smokers alike, it will be worthwhile.