Nationwide Smoking Ban Includes Pubs

Ireland became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on smoking in virtually all closed public spaces, including pubs. Those who light up face fines of up to 3,000 euros, or about $3,800.

“It’s a clear public health instrument we can use to reduce the levels of heart disease and cancer in our country,” said Health Minister Micheal Martin.

Officials described compliance on the first day as positive, but Jackie Healy Rae, an independent member of parliament, said he would ignore the ban. Pub owners feared loss of business and enforcement problems.