A proposal that publicans withhold VAT payments if the ban on smoking in the workplace goes ahead was just one of the suggestions made at a special meeting of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) today.
The special meeting was attended by 1,200 publicans who are opposed to the ban on smoking in the workplace which comes into effect on January 26th, 2004.
Another proposal was for the VFI to explore all legal avenues including constitutionality of the blanket ban, appeal to Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice.
It was also proposed that a legal fund be set up to support VFI members who are fined if customers are found smoking on their premises.
The publicans have said that the proposed ban on smoking in pubs, restaurants and night clubs is "unworkable and unenforceable".
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Tadg O'Sullivan, chief executive of the VFI said: "The huge numbers of members in attendance today illustrates the anger and frustration of rural publicans across the length and breadth of the country.
"We have said time and time again, this ban is unnecessary, unworkable and unjustified. Our members are not prepared to put their lives, their wives and daughters and female staff at risk. They are publicans not smoke police".
He added that in respect of ban coming into force on January 26th, 2004: "This is not going to work despite what Micháel Martin thinks".
Already VFI members in several counties have said they will not adhere to the smoking ban and others in counties Cavan, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo are expected to take up that position over the next few weeks.
Todays other proposals being considered was a reduction in the payment of preliminary tax or a suggestion that publicans phone the gardaí to police the ban if customers smoke.To date the Minister for Justice has stated that gardaí will not be responsible for policing the ban.
VFI members will also consider a proposal to put forward candidates for 2004 local elections.
The proposals will now be decided upon by the national executive council of the VFI at a meeting on November, 26th.