Irish publicans ‘ready for jail’ over smoke ban
Some 400 publicans in County Kerry, Ireland, are reportedly ready to defy a ban on smoking that they say will ruin their livelihoods and destroy a way of life.
As reported, smoking will become illegal in all workplaces as from 1 January, with publicans facing fines of up to GBP1,400 if they break the rules. But, according to The Times newspaper, certain publicans have stated that they are prepared to go to jail for their beliefs – and even customers say they would accept a prison term rather than stop smoking in pubs.
One publican told the newspaper: “This is a traditional pub, with no television, nothing but a bit of chat and craic across the bar. I have a good bit of trade at the moment, but I can’t see it lasting under the new laws.”
The Times reports that pub owners in neighbouring County Galway are meeting this week to decide whether to boycott the rules when they are introduced.
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