Compliance with the workplace smokeplace ban has never dropped below 94 per cent since its inception five years ago, the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) said today.
The ban was introduced on March 29th, 2004.
OTC chief executive Éamonn Rossi said the implementation of the legislation had been highly successful. Figures for 2008 show compliance with the ban at 97 per cent.
“We are pleased with how workplaces and the public have supported the measure. The introduction of the legislation can without doubt be called a success and we must now carry that success forward and continue to be a world leader in tobacco control,” Mr Rossi.
The Mandate trade union, which represents bar and retail workers, said the ban was a success and would continue to receive strong support from its members.
A ban on the advertising of tobacco products in retail outlets will be introduced on July 1st.
The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) said three-quarters of all smokers in Ireland pick up the habit before they reach the age of 18 and there was overwhelming support from the public for the new rules on tobacco advertising.
NYCI director Mary Cunningham said 80 per cent of children who smoke in Ireland buy just two brands. “These brands happen to be the two most heavily marketed through the use of in-store displays,” she said.
Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce a workplace ban in 2004. Since then, other countries which have followed the lead include Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Norway, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Bhutan.