Smoking Ban?

[bustergutt]

When this Smoking Ban becomes law, how will it be enforced, Will the landlord have to have eyes in the back of his head?as if he fails to see someone smoking he will get fined, who is going to be there to fine him? What if 99% of the customers and the landlord say`s to hell with the ban and light up who will stop them? I heard that the ban may even be extended to Football Matches and other outdoor sports grounds? well if that happens will it affect the Pub beer gardens? so will you have to completely leave the Club or Pub grounds to light -up?
Bottom line is, the Police take ages to bother to attend a crime scene, will they rush to apprehend a person with a cigarette?

[Whickerman]

It's been in force here in Ireland for some time now, with very few difficulties. The enforcement is done by the health board, not the police. If a person lights up, they are fined, as is the landlord if they haven't taken reasonable steps to deal with any issues.

The crux of our law is this: it's not a public health issue as such, but a workplace issue. Therefore, smoking is banned in any enclosed area where people work, including pubs, concert venues etc. It is not banned outdoors, including pub beer gardens. There's been a huge amount of inventiveness here - you should see some of the smoking shelters. Patio heaters etc. And the public perception has changed - you would be ostracised for lighting up indoors here now, as most people see the obvious advantages.

I would imagine it'll be the same in Scotland.

[Loosehead]

As above, I've been to Ireland several times since the ban and it pretty much enforces itself. There are punitive fines for both the bar and the smoker but I don't think they are often needed.